Small Trees (Under 30 Feet) for a Small Yard or Garden

Every neighborhood needs some trees, and every garden or landscape needs a tree or two. Trees take in carbon dioxide and provide us with oxygen, cleaning and freshening the air around us. They soften the sharp edges of buildings and lend curves to the straight lines man has imposed on our view. Even a small tree creates some shade. The dense shade created by the overlapping leaves and boughs of trees is much cooler than, say, an awning.

Just because you have a small yard does not mean that you cannot have a tree. Not all trees are 70-footers, and many tall shrubs can be used like trees or be pruned into a tree-like growth habit.

Below is a selection of small trees and tall shrubs to make your garden, yard, or landscape beautiful. Note that zone numbers refer to the USDA hardiness zones of the continental U.S., which show how cold your area gets in the winter.

Mature Height: 20 feet

Dwarf Height: 8-10 feet

Zone: 4

Apple trees usually grow up to 20 feet tall while dwarf varieties grow 8 ft. to 10 ft. tall. Many varieties are available, all producing beautiful early spring blossoms. Although some varieties are self-pollinating, it helps to have several other apple trees nearby to be able to produce fruit. You should plant while dormant in full sun and in slightly acidic soil. Most types of apple will fruit in three to five years. Ask your local nursery to find the variety of apple tree best suited to your area.

Mature Height: 12 to 15 feet

Dwarf Height: 4 to 5 feet

Zones: 4-8

The flowering almond is a small tree or large shrub that grows 12 ft. to 15 ft. tall and is equally wide with a rounded crown. Pink or white flowers bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, rich, acidic soil. If you want to prune for shaping, do so right after flowering. Some pruning will increase next season's flowers.

Mature Height: 10 to 20 feet

Dwarf Height: 3 to 4 feet

Zones: 7-9

The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) grows to 10 ft. or 20 ft. tall and produces lavender-purple flowers in early or mid-spring. The flowers give off a spicy aroma and the leaves smell faintly of sage. Shaping by pruning may be necessary. It grows best in well-drained soil. Flowers emerge from new shoots, so prune lightly at the end of winter.

Mature Height: 12 to 30 feet (depending on variety)

Dwarf Height: 8 to 10 feet

Zones: 2-8 (depending on variety)

Some flowering cherry trees can grow to be quite tall, so check your local gardening center for a smaller variety. Snow Fountain grows up to 12 ft. tall, while Sargent Cherry grows 20-30 ft. tall. Plant in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil. Weeping forms are also available.

Mature Height: 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 3 to 4 feet

Zones: 7-8

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an evergreen cherry tree with deep green leaves and fragrant white flowers. It grows up to 30 ft. tall. Flowers bloom mid-spring and the tree produces dark berries. Plant in full sun in cool areas, or partial shade in warmer areas, in moist, well-drained soil.

Mature Height: 20 feet

Dwarf Height: 5 to 10 feet

Zones: 4-8

The crabapple produces abundant, beautiful flowers in white, pink, or red and blooms mid-spring. They produce hard little fruits that some people find attractive but others may feel are a nuisance. These slow-growing trees rarely reach over 20 ft. tall, while dwarf varieties grow between 8 ft. and 15 ft. tall. Crabapples are self-pollinating, so they will fruit even if you only plant one. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.

Mature Height: 15 to 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 3 to 4 feet

Zones: 6-10

The Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a tall, beautiful shrub that can stand in as a small tree. It blooms in mid- to late-summer with long-lasting white, pink, red, or lavender blooms. Planting in shade or semi-shade may reduce the amount of blooms. The foliage turns yellow, orange, or red in fall. Attractive exfoliating, patchy bark creates interest in winter. Prune away low-growing branches to create the look of a tree.

Avoid the Langerstroemia speciosa variety—it's gigantic. In the South, some Crape Myrtles will grow larger than expected.

If you want the type that features the most dramatic exfoliating bark look for "Natchez" with its beautiful cinnamon and cream bark, or "Apache" or "Choctaw" with cinnamon and brown bark.

There are two types of dogwood that are small and manageable:

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a small, cold-tolerant variety that reaches 20 to 30 ft. tall. Flowers range from creamy white to pink. Red fruits appear in fall. (Zone 5-8)

Red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera or sericea) is a shrubby species that grows 7-9 ft. tall. Red stems provide winter interest when young, but older branches fade to gray. (Zone 3-8)

Mature Height: 10 to 25 feet

Zones: 5-8

The Franklin tree (Franklinia), named after Benjamin Franklin, should not be grown in its native home in the southeastern United States due to a root disease that makes the tree short-lived in that area. Franklin trees grow from 10 to 25 ft. tall and 6 to 15 ft. wide, producing large, fragrant white flowers. They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soil.

Mature Height: 12 to 20 feet

Zones: 4-9

The fringe tree (Chionanthus) grows from 12 to 20 ft. tall with a broad, rounded form and produces white, fragrant, lacy flowers in spring. Fruit on female trees attracts birds. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. If you must prune to shape, do so right after flowering as the blooms form on the older growth. Tolerant of wind and pollution.

Mature Height: 15 to 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 4 feet

Zones: 4 - 7

Winter King green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis "Winter King") is an attractive deciduous tree with grayish-green bark that may exfoliate on mature specimens. It grows 15 to 30 feet tall with a similar spread, and is drought-tolerant and resistant to disease, including verticillium Aromatic white flowers appear in spring, and red berries add interest in winter although some people do not like their smell. This variety is thornless despite its name.

Do not plant this tree if there is a cedar or juniper nearby because cedar-hawthorn rust needs both a cedar or juniper and a hawthorn to complete its life cycle. This disease can devastate both trees.

Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 5 to 10 feet

Zones: 3 - 9

American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), also called ironwood, grows 20 to 30 ft. tall and has beautiful deep-green leaves that turn from yellow to red in fall. Plant in full sun to partial shade in acidic, moist, well-drained soil, and prune in late winter.

Mature Height: 10 to 25 feet

Dwarf Height: 3 to 5 feet

Zones: 3-8

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs, and panicle hydrangeas can work as small trees, growing up to 25 feet tall and wide. They produce tiny flowers that grow in large clusters, which start out white in July and then turn a dusty rose as summer progresses. This hardy shrub should be planted in sun to partial shade in rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 8 to 10 feet

Zones: 6-8

The Japanese Snowbell is a deciduous tree with horizontal branches that boasts drooping white, bell-like flowers. The leaves turn yellow during fall, and the flowers emit a sweet fragrance. It makes for a gorgeous ornamental tree.

Mature Height: 10 to 15 feet

Dwarf Height: 1 feet

Zones: 4-9 (depending on variety)

All junipers are evergreen with tiny, scale-like foliage. They produce small, hard, blue to blue-green berries with a fresh scent.

Hollywood juniper grows from 10 to 15 feet tall in full sun or partial shade in a unique, twisting form. It is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, hardy shrub that can stand in as a tree. Hollywood juniper takes well to pruning for shape and can be planted closer to walls than other trees and large shrubs for an interesting effect (Zones 5 - 9).

Skyrocket juniper grows 10 to 15 feet tall in a narrow column with dusty blue-green foliage. It is drought-resistant and maintenance-free (Zones 4 - 7).

Mature Height: 15 to 25 feet

Dwarf Height: 3 to 4 feet

Zones: 5-7

This gorgeous tree produces cascading clusters of bright-yellow pea flowers that are unfortunately short-lived. Interestingly, all parts of the tree are poisonous, although mortality rate is low.

Mature Height: 10 to 20 feet

Dwarf Height: 8 to 10

Zones: 9-11

This is a tree that is often found in many backyards. The lemon tree has fragrant flowers and leaves, and of course, provide fresh fruit that can be used in a vast variety of dishes and drinks. Miniature lemon trees can be grown in pots and will not reach a height over 10 feet if pruned.

Mature Height: 8 to 15 feet

Dwarf Height: 4 to 6 feet

Zones: 3 - 7

Lilac is a large shrub with showy, highly aromatic spring blooms. Flowers may be white or shades of pink, purple, lavender, and lilac. The leaves are susceptible to powdery mildew in hot, humid summers. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Prune to remove unwanted or dead twigs and branches.

Mature Height: 10 to 30 feet (depending on variety)

Zones: 4-9 (depending on variety)

Star magnolia is a smaller variety of magnolia that produces beautiful, white, star-shaped flowers in early spring. The flowers are fragrant and long lasting. This variety grows up to 20 feet tall with similar spread. It is also cold and heat tolerant. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil (Zones 4 - 8).

Saucer magnolia grows 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, producing large pinkish-purple flowers in early spring. Plant this cold-hardy magnolia in a sheltered area in full sun and moist, well-drained soil (Zones 5 - 9).

Sweet bay magnolia grows 10 to 20 feet tall with a shrubby growth habit, producing fragrant, creamy white flowers in late spring. It is evergreen in warmer areas but deciduous in colder ones (Zones 5 - 9).

Mature Height: 15 to 25 feet

Dwarf Height: 2 to 3 feet

Zones: 5 - 8

Japanese maple is a slow-growing small tree with an interesting growth habit that makes it attractive in winter. Many varieties are available. Beautiful, intricate, delicate leaves make the Japanese Maple a real focal point in a garden. Foliage ranges from green to deep red; some leaves are light green with red edges. Plant in partial shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Protect Japanese maples from harsh afternoon summer sun.

Mature Height: 10 to 15 feet

Dwarf Height: 10 feet

Zone: 5-9

The Mountain Stewartia is a deciduous small tree or large shrub that produces beautiful white flowers in July. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall and is best grown in full sun to part shade in moisture, well-drained soil.

Mature Height: 15 to 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 4 to 8 feet

Zones: 5-8

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a fruit tree with a tropical appearance, but surprisingly, it is native to North America. Purple mid-spring blooms give way to green fruits that ripen to black with a pear/banana taste. Leaves turn a beautiful gold in fall. Plant at least two trees for pollination. Prune off low-growing branches to give this shrubby tree a more tree-like appearance. Plant in full sun to partial shade in loose soil.

Mature Height: 15 to 25 feet

Dwarf Height: 8 to 10

Zones: 5 - 9

Peach trees have dark-green leaves that provide a beautiful contrast to the attractive mid-spring flowers and the brilliant mid- to late summer fruit. Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to protect the shallow roots, and prune in late winter. Be aware that peach trees are susceptible to late frost damage and severe winter cold. Plant two or more trees for pollination.

Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 10 to 15 feet

Zones: 5-7

The common pear tree grows 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, producing early spring flowers before the glossy green foliage appears. Dwarf varieties grow 10 to 15 feet tall. Pear trees are not drought-tolerant and need plenty of water in summer. Plant a second pear tree for pollination if you want the tree to produce fruit.

Mature Height: 15 to 25 feet tall

Dwarf Height: 4 feet

Zones: 5 - 8

Japanese black pine is tolerant of heat, drought, and coastal salt spray. It accepts heavy pruning for shape. Plant in full sun and in moist, well-drained soil.

Mature Height: 15 to 25 feet

Dwarf Height: 8 to 10 feet

Zones: 3-8

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is native to Asia and has distinctive reddish-purple leaves. The pretty white or pink flowers that bloom in early spring make the cherry plum a lovely tree for landscapes. Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil.

Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet

Dwarf Height: 12 to 15 feet

Zones: 4-9

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) grows 20 to 30 feet tall and wide with rosy, pinkish-purple blooms in mid-spring followed by heart-shaped green leaves. Its attractive form provides winter interest. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Eastern redbud is native and tolerates a variety of soil conditions.

Mature Height: 6 to 10 feet

Dwarf Height: 3 feet

Zones: 4-8

Flowering quince grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, producing bright scarlet, pink, or white blossoms in spring. Some varieties bloom again in fall. It's important to note that tangled branches and sharp spines may detract from its usefulness in small spaces. Fall-ripened fruit can be used to make jelly or jam. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.

Mature Height: 15 to 25 feet

Dwarf Height: 10 feet

Zones: 4 - 9

Serviceberry (Amelanchier) grows 15 to 25 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. This large shrub can be pruned to tree form. Fragrant white flowers appear early to late spring, and edible berries emerge in late spring and last into late summer, attracting birds. Tolerant of a variety of soils and drought.

Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet

Zones: 6-9

The silk tree, otherwise known as mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin), grows 20-30 feet tall and wide. It is exotic-looking with fern-like foliage and feathery-pink flowers that attract hummingbirds in mid- to late-summer. Blooms can be quite aromatic and are adaptable to harsh environments. Keep in mind that this Asian tree can be invasive in many areas.

Mature Height: 30 feet

Zones: 4-8

Carolina silverbell (Halesia carolina) grows to 30 feet tall and almost as wide, producing clusters of tiny white bell-shaped flowers in mid-spring. It is native to the Piedmont area of the eastern United States. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It will not tolerate intense heat or alkaline soil. Compost and mulch regularly.

Mature Height: 10 to 20 feet

Zones: 6-9

Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) grows 10 to 20 feet tall and wide in full sun or partial shade, but full sun encourages a better bloom. The good news is it can tolerate many soil conditions. Tubular scarlet flowers grow on panicles (upright clusters) in April to May, attracting hummingbirds on their northward migration. The fruit is toxic, so be careful! Foliage erupts early in spring in 5-7 leaflets.

Mature Height: 15 to 20 feet

Zones: 2-7

The Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) from central Asia grows to be 15 to 20 ft. tall and wide with a rounded form and beautiful silvery-green foliage. Tiny flowers emerge in spring. This tree prefers dry climates, and tolerates salt and drought, but dislikes extreme heat and humidity.

Even though I've included this tree on the list, if you live in the U.S., I advise not to plant it. Russian olive is considered a highly invasive species in the U.S.

Mature Height: 10 to 15 feet

Dwarf Height: 4 feet

Zones: 4-8

The Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) grows 10 to 15 feet tall and wide, producing fine, light-purple, feathery flowers in June. With blue-green to purplish foliage, this shrubby tree can be pruned to look like a traditional tree form. Plant in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil. Prune older branches in early spring to encourage growth.

Mature Height: 25 to 30 feet

Zones: 5-9

Sourwood (Oxydendrum) has deep-green, fragrant leaves. It is a summer-flowering plant with long-lasting 10-inch blooms. The leaves turn a range of colors in fall. You should mulch to retain moisture and protect its shallow roots.

Mature Height: 10 to 12 ft. tall

Dwarf Height: 6 to 8

Zones: 2-7

Conica spruce is a dwarf white spruce with light-green needles. The dwarf Arneson's blue spruce features blue-green needles. Both are varieties of the Alberta spruce (Picea glauca), a hardy evergreen with a classic pyramid form. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet

Zones: 5-7

Korean Stewartia is a smaller version of Japanese stewartia that produces lovely white blooms in July. Their attractive medium-to-dark green foliage turns red in fall. The exfoliating bark is patchy and has a reddish brown, green, gray, and orange color, which makes a dramatic statement in winter months. Plant in sun with some afternoon shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Mulch and water during hot, dry spells.

Mature Height: 10 to 12 ft. tall

Dwarf Height: 4 to 6 feet

Zones: 8-10

Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is actually a shrub from subtropical Asia that produces aromatic flowers. It can grow up to 20 feet but is most often seen at 10 to 12 feet with an 8-foot spread. Plant in full sun to partial shade in any soil. It takes well to pruning, and you can pinch back the dark-green leaves to encourage new growth.

Mature Height: 20 feet

Dwarf Height: 2 feet

Zones: 8-11

The tea tree (Melaleuca linarifolia) grows up to 20 ft. tall and 12 ft. wide. Native to Australia, the tea tree has aromatic, evergreen leaves and produces tiny white, pink, or red flowers from late winter into summer. It enjoys western coastal areas and is drought tolerant when mature. Plant in full sun, and prune lightly after flowering.

• Kobushi Magnolia
• Royal Empress
• Crape Myrtle
• Pink Dogwood
• Royal Poinciana Tree
• Jacaranda
• Plumeria
• Angel Trumpet