10 Compact Trees

Small trees have plenty of advantages. They're perfect for small yards since they won’t overwhelm your space or your neighbors'. Their fallen leaves won’t require a whole weekend to clean up, and their roots won't push up the sidewalk. Plus, you can plant multiple trees in an average-sized yard.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, a small tree reaches a maximum height of 30 feet (9 meters), while a medium-sized tree (such as blue spruce or white oak) grows between 30 to 70 feet (9 to 21 meters), and large trees (like redwood or Ponderosa pine) exceed 70 feet (21 meters) in height [source: Arbor Day Foundation].

If you're looking to add a focal point to your garden, define a patio or deck, or bring year-round appeal with multiple trees, consider the following tree options.

10. Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana)

If you're not a fan of attention-seeking plants, the sweet acacia might not be the tree for you. This small, shrub-like tree has sprawling, delicate leaves and draws attention with nearly year-round clusters of fluffy, yellow, ball-shaped flowers that last for weeks. The flowers are fragrant and attract birds and other wildlife, so planting this tree will likely invite some visitors. Just be careful of its thorns.

The sweet acacia thrives in hot, dry desert climates like Arizona or Texas, making it a popular choice for landscapes in Tucson and Austin. You can let it grow naturally as a shrub or trim side branches to shape it into a single- or multi-trunk tree.

On the next page, you’ll find a tree with a touch of Asian influence.

9. Japanese Red Maple (Acer palmatum atropurpureum)

The Japanese red maple can stand alone as a striking specimen tree or be planted in groups. It adds beauty to rock gardens and is especially popular among bonsai enthusiasts. The leaves are finely cut with pointed tips, creating a delicate green appearance that transforms into a brilliant reddish-purple in late fall and again when new leaves emerge in spring.

This deciduous tree hails from Japan, China, and Korea, and it doesn't fare well in extreme frost and wind. In hotter regions, it appreciates some shade and thrives beneath the dappled light of larger trees. The compact roots of the Japanese maple make it an excellent choice for planting along sidewalks and borders, as they won’t disrupt pathways. Even in winter, this tree remains charming; some varieties have bark that brightens in color after the leaves fall.

If you want a tree that embodies "Americana," you may find what you're looking for on the next page.

8. American Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

The first recorded planting of a boxwood in the United States occurred in 1653 at Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island, New York's Long Island, using boxwood imported from Amsterdam [source: The American Boxwood Society]. Boxwoods are often linked to colonial architecture. So, if your home features columns, shutters, or other colonial elements, a boxwood tree in front would complement the historical style perfectly.

There are roughly 160 registered boxwood cultivars in the U.S. Some are dwarf varieties, only a few feet tall, while others grow up to 20 feet (6 meters). The American boxwood typically reaches a height of 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) and can be kept as a shrub or pruned into a tree. The leaves are dark, glossy green on top and lighter green underneath. You can shape them into a formal hedge through pruning, or let them grow naturally as a more relaxed accent. The American Boxwood Society refers to boxwood as "man's oldest garden ornament."

While ornamental plants are lovely, those that offer edible rewards are even better. The tree on the next page can provide you with some tasty, healthy snacks.

7. Moorpark Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)

When considering small trees, why not opt for a fruit tree? Most fruit tree varieties are relatively small, reaching about 20 feet in height (6 meters), making it easier to harvest the fruit. After all, what's the point of fruit growing 100 feet above you?

The Moorpark apricot tree thrives in most regions of the country, with exceptions in certain parts of south Texas, Louisiana, and Florida [source: Arbor Day Foundation]. This tree prefers full sun and grows relatively quickly, reaching 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters). In spring, after a bare winter, you'll see clusters that resemble popcorn on the stems, which will eventually transform into delectable milky fruits from July to late August. Keep in mind, though, that birds will be just as eager to enjoy these fruits as you are.

If you're more interested in fragrant aromas than fruit, the tree featured on the next page will be a real treat.

6. Fragrant Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

The lilac is adored for its abundance of fragrant lavender and purple blossoms, making it a long-standing favorite in gardens. Its nostalgic scent is a sure sign that spring has arrived, and it continues to be as popular as ever.

Much like other small trees, the lilac tree is perfectly content growing as a large shrub, reaching up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) in height with a spread of 12 feet (3.6 meters). However, with a bit of pruning and care, it can also thrive as a single-stemmed tree.

The lilac flourishes in full sun or partial shade, and is versatile enough to serve as a specimen tree, or arranged in a row as a windbreak or privacy hedge. Its flowers last for a long time, so feel free to bring them indoors and swap out your chemical air freshener for the natural fragrance.

Speaking of nostalgia, the tree on the next page may evoke memories of Southern hospitality.

5. Ann Magnolia (Magnolia x 'Ann')

This charming small tree is part of a family that includes Betty, Jane, Judy, Pinkie, Randy, Ricki, and Susan. All of these were developed in the 1950s by the U.S. National Arboretum and are collectively known as "The Girls" or the "Little Girl" group [source: U.S. National Arboretum].

These compact magnolia trees put on a stunning floral display each spring, blooming two weeks later than other magnolias, which reduces the risk of frost damage. The large purple-red flowers of the Ann magnolia are tulip-like in shape, and its dark leathery leaves thrive even in drought or heat. This tree is quite resilient and can tolerate shade, but to get the best blooms, plant it in full sun. For variety, Ann's sisters bloom in shades of pink, red, and purple.

If you prefer a tree covered in flowers, the next page offers an option that might be perfect for your yard.

4. Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

This deciduous tree, also known as alternate-leaf dogwood, is native to the northeastern United States. It grows to a height of 25 feet (7.62 meters), and its horizontally arranged, tiered branches give it the appearance of a Japanese pagoda.

In autumn, the leaves transform into soft hues of red and orange. During late spring, this tree produces flat-topped clusters of white flowers, which, while not overly bold, still add a touch of elegance. In essence, this is a well-mannered tree. The pagoda dogwood is best suited to a natural environment rather than a formal garden, preferring cool, moist soil and a bit of shade. If you're in a colder climate, this tree will likely be a great match for your space.

On the following page, you'll discover a tree that will delight both you and your feathered friends.

3. Sargent Crabapple (Malus sargentii)

Although some crabapple varieties are vulnerable to pests and diseases, this compact tree stands resilient against most of these issues [source: University of Rhode Island Horticulture Landscape Program].

The Sargent crabapple typically reaches around 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height and can spread over 10 feet (3 meters) wide. In winter, it sheds its leaves, but by spring, it's adorned with white blossoms that give way to small, red fruits loved by birds. With such an abundance of fruit, however, the fallen fruit under the tree can create a bit of a mess.

This tree thrives in full sunlight and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 8, covering much of the country. If you're looking for a miniature version, you can even cultivate this tree as a bonsai.

For those seeking color in the garden during the winter months, the next tree might catch your interest.

2. Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

This tree is on the larger end of the small tree spectrum, growing up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall and 25 feet (7.62 meters) wide. The advantage of its size is more stunning white flowers in late spring and vibrant red fruits that linger well into the winter, becoming especially beautiful after the autumn leaves have fallen.

As the fruits of the Washington Hawthorn are a favorite treat for songbirds, you might just find your yard filled with a melodious choir, along with a host of squirrels. Native to much of the Southern and Eastern United States, these trees thrive in full sun. One of their standout features is their resistance to fireblight, a common issue for other hawthorn species.

The final tree, coming up on the next page, has a rich history of both medicinal and edible uses.

1. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

This elegant tree reaches a height of 30 feet (9 meters), featuring a slender, rounded crown and graceful, drooping branches that form a pyramid shape.

During the summer, fragrant flowers resembling lily-of-the-valley bloom, eventually giving way to greenish-yellow seed pods.

As autumn arrives, the lush green leaves transform into vibrant shades of yellow, red, and purple. A member of the azalea family, the sourwood tree thrives from southern Illinois to Louisiana and Florida. The tree earned its name due to the sour taste of its leaves, which were once used in medicinal concoctions. Today, the juice from its flowers is turned into sourwood jelly.