The best trees for small gardens to make a big impact

Trees can be a great way to add a colour pop. With vibrant foliage that changes throughout the year from purple to an intense red autumn display, try a graceful Japanese maple. The Osakazuki is a great choice for the smaller garden as they are slow-growing and tolerate shade well. They are also an attractive shape and work well in a large tub too.

Tree care: Water regularly throughout the growing season and lightly trim stems if necessary in autumn and winter. Plant in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade.

Review: "Small but very beautiful tree. Revived well to show gorgeous leaves."

Nick says, “This is one of my top five favourite small trees. It reaches little more than five metres and naturally produces a lollipop form. Flowers appear in spring followed by large fruit which ripens red, ready to accompany the striking orange and red autumn foliage. A true all-rounder.” A part of the hawthorn family, this is one of the best trees for small gardens as it will also encourage more wildlife in your garden.

Tree care: If you’re planting in spring or summer, water well for the first few months. Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Plant an evergreen Magnolia Grandiflora to add a dark note of drama whatever the season. Its glossy green leaves make it the ideal year-round performer, but it won’t spread out of control and isn’t large enough to have any impact on neighbouring gardens. In late summer and early autumn, it has huge cream flowers with a delicious lemony perfume.

Tree care: Position in full sun or partial shade in well-drained, fertile soil. Somewhat hardy, it is best to shelter from cold winds.

Nick says, “I first encountered this tree on a TV shoot. It’s the perfect small garden tree reaching little more than four metres with a one-meter spread. It has a true columnar form but otherwise has every trait of a standard Betula pendula.” The elegant silver birch is always a good choice of tree to provide quick cover in small gardens and is available to order from late summer.

Tree care: Position in full sun or lightly dappled shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Requires minimal pruning.

If you're considering the best tree for your small garden, don't overlook a fig tree. Highly ornamental with large glossy leaves, this tree will grow an abundance of rich and sweet figs in late summer/ early autumn. Best grown against a south or south-west facing wall, it's an easy tree to grow and if you want to focus on harvesting fruit rather than top growth, plant it into a large pot buried in the ground.

Tree care: Position in full sun. It will tolerate most soils, except very badly drained. Remove any frost-damaged or weak branches, and thin out shoots to let light in.

Customer review: "This arrived promptly and I planted it immediately following the instructions provided, it has flourished and gone from a small well-formed plant to a vigorously growing young tree. It has already produced its first fig and this coming season I hope to see more."

This strawberry tree has the added bonus of ruddy-brown papery bark, not the mention the white urn flowers and strawberry-like fruits that appear in autumn. However, it's worth noting that the fruits are purely ornamental and are not to be eaten. It’s also evergreen meaning it looks perpetually good!

Tree care: Position in full sun. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil but it can tolerate alkaline soils. Requires minimal pruning. 

Customer review: "Tree arrived in perfect condition and taller than expected. Planted it straight away and it appears to be thriving."

“Some would cite this plant as a large shrub but either way it’s perfect tree for small gardens with its ball-like form of three by two metres." Says Nick. "Foliage is large and lush with beautiful burgundy and purple tones which become a rich red in fall.” Winning the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it's easy to grow and maintain.

Tree care: Position in full sun or partial shade. Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive well-drained soil.

Customer review: "Easy ordering and although a longish wait for delivery my tree is now here. It has travelled well and is a good size and shape. Definitely worth the wait."

If we had to highlight one of the best trees for a small garden, this laburnum comes in as "Editor's Choice." This slow-growing tree is ideal for smaller gardens and a beautiful choice for those wanting more flowers in their outdoor space. Adam's Laburnum produces elegant blooms of canary yellow and mauve-pink in the late spring and early summer, similar to a brightly coloured clematis. Even better, it's low maintenance and easy to grow.

Tree care: Position in full sun. Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil.

Designers often use rows of tall pillar trees in town gardens to add a stylish punctuation point to a boundary, and it's a great option for privacy from the neighbours too. It also helps that this variety is a perfect way to brighten dark corners of your garden. As an added bonus for all nature lovers, this Golden Pillar Elm will attract several species of moths and butterflies.

Tree care: Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun.

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