Trees for Small Yards

Want to have a tree in your yard but worried you don’t have enough space? Worry no more because we bring you good news – trees come in all sizes, and there’s one for you. We hope you find the perfect tree for your property in this article on Trees for Small Yards!

A general rule in planting a tree is to plant it at a distance equal to one-half of the maximum tree height away from your house. This means that if your tree (in its maturity) will grow 20 feet, then you can plant it 10 feet away from your house.

Here are some trees that you can grow in your limited space perfect to suit your need for shade, privacy, or color.

Prairifire Crabapple

If you’re looking for some color in your yard, then this is your tree. It grows deep-pink flowers during spring and bears purplish fruits during fall and winter. You’ll definitely have a beauty all year round!

Aside from its beautiful color, it’s also an excellent choice because its purplish fruit can feed wildlife. The fruits sweeten as they freeze and thaw.

Make sure to plant the Prairifire Crabapple in a spot where it can get enough sun and in an area where it grows up to 20 feet tall and wide.

This tree grows in Zones 4-8.

Japanese Stewartia

If you’re looking for something shorter, like maybe twice as short as the Prairifire Crabapple, then we recommend that you grow the Japanese Stewartia. It grows to up to 10 feet tall – enough to provide you a canopy coverage.

You’ll look forward to every mid-summer as the beautiful white flowers from the tree. For other seasons, you can see rich, green foliage.

Camellia Japonica

Another great choice is the Camellia Japonica. It’s an excellent compact flower that brings color and beauty to your yard. Camellia Japonica grows up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

It can produce white, pink, or red flowers that will look so aesthetically pleasing. It’s also a double bloomer, so you’ll have beauty in your landscape all year round.

This tree grows in Zones 7-9.

Royal Star Magnolia

You’ll be in awe when you see it bloom! It’s just a delightful sight to see. The Royal Star Magnolia can grow up to 15 feet tall and wide. Unlike average magnolias, it can tolerate heat and cold better.

They produce bright white and huge flowers – something truly soothing to the eyes. And it’s not just the eyes that it’s pleasing because it also has a fragrant smell that will delight your nose. Its flowers bloom every spring.

This tree grows in Zones 4-9.

Ribbon-leaf Japanese Maple

You’ll have a colorful year with this Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple because it changes color every season. Its leaves are red in spring, bronze in summer, and brilliant orange in fall. This tree can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide.

What’s striking about the Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple is its foliage, the shape of the leaves, and the branches’ architecture in winter.

If the Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple is grown in cooler climates, plant it in a tree where it can get full to partial sunspots. If your area is extremely hot, plant it in an area that is dappled or with afternoon shade.

This tree grows in Zones 5-9.

Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry

This tree is taller than the rest as it grows up to 25 feet tall. But the combination of its white flowers, copper-red leaves, and light gray bark is perfect for giving you the privacy you need. It can act as a privacy screen for your yard.

And another amazing thing about the Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry is that it bears fruits! Its purplish produce doesn’t just add color to the already beautiful tree. You can also make jams, jellies, and pies out of it!

Zuni Crape Myrtle

Another sight to behold is the Zuni Crape Myrtle. You are in for a treat every summer when it’s pink flowers bloom magnificently. During other parts of the year, you can enjoy the multicolored barks and the equally magnificent greenery.

The tree can be used to cover unattractive views. It grows up to 12 feet tall and wide. It must be planted in an area with full sun.

This tree grows in Zones 6-10.