Best Problem-Solving Small Trees for Small Spaces (Zones 7 - 11)

Photos by Monrovia: Doreen Wynja

Trees make the landscape. They provide a structural and visual anchor from which you can build the rest of the garden. However, not all of us have the space for a large tree.

Many people are growing beautiful gardens in small landscapes. They live in houses that are close together or have shallow front yards. Don’t let that stop you from planting a tree or two. Here are several spectacular specimens that top out at no taller than 25' when fully mature. They're perfect for providing a beautiful anchor and dynamic visual interest in even the most compact garden space.

Find the perfect small trees for Zones 4-7 here.

Majestic Beauty® Fruitless Olive

(above) Upright beauty whose open branching habit and long, narrow gray-green leaves give it an airy appearance. Superior patio or garden tree that does not produce messy mature fruit. Thrives in hot, dry areas. Evergreen. Slow growing up to 25 ft. tall and wide. Zones 8–1.1

Beautifully Blooming Small Trees for Zones 7-11

Timeless Beauty® Desert Willow

Need a gorgeous tree for your drought-tolerant and/or firewise landscaping? You've found the perfect tree with Timeless Beauty. A long-blooming, seedless selection with fragrant, tubular, burgundy, and pale-lavender blooms that appear in clusters at branch ends. This is a gorgeous specimen for anchoring a border, or as a large patio container feature. Moderate growing; reaches up to 15 to 20 ft. tall and wide. Zones 7-9.

Natchez
Crape Myrtle

Panicles of pure white flowers bloom all summer with glossy dark green leaves that turn vibrant orange-red in fall. Makes an excellent specimen, accent, or group planting. Deciduous. Reaches up to 20' tall and wide. Zones 6–9.

Little Gem Dwarf
Southern Magnolia

Little Gem's narrow, compact form makes it perfect for narrow beds and corners. The large, glossy evergreen leaves have rusty-brown undersides. Large, white fragrant flowers bloom in late spring through summer. Evergreen. Moderate grower to 20-25' tall and 10-15' wide. Zones 7-9.

Fullmoon®
Polyspora

This stately upright grower creates a beautiful focal point as a small tree or multi-trunked shrub. Thick glossy leaves provide a backdrop for late winter single white flowers. Evergreen. Reaches up to 12 ft. tall and 6 ft. wide. Zones 8–10.

Small Trees with Unique Foliage for Zones 7-11

Plum Passion®
Vine Maple

Multiple stems sprawling beautifully through companions when planted in shade; in full sun, develops into a graceful small tree. Brilliant fall color. Deciduous. Moderate grower to 20 ft. tall and wide (smaller in full sun). Zones 6–9.

Summer Chocolate
Mimosa Tree

A unique mimosa that provides a wide, umbrella-shaped canopy with beautiful bronze-green, fern-like leaves. Foliage deepens to rich chocolate-burgundy color in summer. Delicate pink blooms appear in late summer. Fast grower reaches up to 20' tall, 15' wide. Zones 7-10.

Icee Blue®
Yellow-Wood

Our exclusive Icee Blue selection is the first podocarpus tree with distinctive blue foliage! New growth emerges lime-gray-blue and matures to a cool gray-blue-green, making for a dynamic visual appeal. Evergreen. Slow grower reaches 15-25' tall and wide. Zones 9-11.

Small Trees with Tasty Fruit for Zones 7-11

Brown
Turkey Fig

Especially tasty, brownish-purple fruit produced twice each year: late spring and late summer. Makes a beautiful specimen for garden or landscape with light annual pruning. Deciduous. Reaches up to 25' tall and wide. Zones 7-9.

Angel Red®
Pomegranate

Simply the best pomegranate on the market! Bright orange-red flowers are followed by large, vivid red fruit that ripens in early fall. Less pulp and higher juice content than others, with seeds soft enough to be eaten. Deciduous. Moderate grower to 10' tall and wide. Zones 7–11.

colorful white and red pineapple guave flowers

Pineapple
Guava

A versatile, easy-care shrub that can be pruned into a beautiful small tree or trained as an espalier or hedge. The upright branching form, edible flowers, and tasty tropical fruit make it a favorite for warm climate gardens. Perfect as a small specimen tree for landscapes and containers. Evergreen. Moderate grower to 10 to 15' tall and wide. Zones 8-10.

Good to Know

How far from a house’s foundation should you plant a 25 ft. at maturity tree?

Here is a good rule of thumb when planting a tree away from the house. Use the distance equal to one-third to one-half the maximum tree height.

Let us do the math here: no less than twelve feet from the house. Tree roots can grow beyond the canopy of a tree, so some wiggle room is a very good idea.

Learn More About Choosing the Right Small Tree for Your Landscape

2022-03-15 22:42:00

SHOW COMMENTS

Nine Problem-Solving Small Trees for Small Spaces (Zones 4 – 7) | Grow Beautifully

2016-09-02 14:46:59

[…] For zones 7 – 11, click here. […]

Mary

2016-09-03 06:29:26

What is the zone for a ginkgo tree??

Kate Karam

2016-09-07 16:45:27

Generally speaking zones 4 -9.

Chris

2016-09-03 07:40:34

I couldn't help but notice the mulch volcano on the Natchez crepe myrtle. Not great for the tree and I think you could find a better example of the use in the landscape. Please don't promote this look.

Kate Karam

2016-09-07 16:43:24

You have sharp eyes! I'd not noticed that till you pointed it out. I'll see what I can do.

Cynthia Scharf

2016-09-03 09:41:53

Oh my goodness! Are you reading my mind? I have been fretting over how to address the way-too-large pine trees in my tiny backyard. Thank you for yur perfect timing!

JoElla Maser

2016-09-03 16:16:57

Need to put info on thr trees that are toxic to animals, mainly dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kate Karam

2016-09-07 16:37:19

Thank you for your comment. We want to be helpful and responsible, so if you spot a plant for which we should research and add more information, please do let me know.

E. Disalvo

2016-09-03 16:23:14

I'm loving the information and the beautiful pictures.

Susan Bradley

2016-09-03 17:53:48

I noticed that most of the tree recommendations are for warmer climates. What about zone 5 trees?

Kate Karam

2016-09-04 09:18:03

There's a second post for zones 4-7! Here's the link: http://growbeautifully.monrovia.com/7-problem-solving-small-trees-for-small-spaces-zones-4-7/ If none of these do it for you, post a comment and I'll gladly help.

Kate Karam

2016-09-07 16:35:22

Hi Susan--there's also a feature on trees for zones 4-7. Here's the link: http://growbeautifully.monrovia.com/7-problem-solving-small-trees-for-small-spaces-zones-4-7/ If none of this solves your problem, please do let me know! I've got more recommendations.

Devalina Sen

2016-09-07 11:02:14

I am looking for a landscape designer in the Santa Monica (Los Angeles area) for a hillside home. I cannot see your listing anywhere. Please help!

Kate Karam

2016-09-07 16:26:01

Hi Devalina--we have a directory of landscape professionals that you can access here by zip code: http://www.monrovia.com/landscape-architects/ If you need more help, just let me know!

Joy Poole

2016-09-14 23:47:13

Does the fruitless olive drop lots of leaves? Will it thrive in lawn which does not receive a lot of water? What is the smallest size I could order? Price? It would be shipped to Summerwinds nursery. Thank you for your assistance. jp

Pamela Copenhefer

2016-09-21 11:22:39

Love your web site. Refreshing! It is important to see the product. I am looking for small trees because I live on a small property; kind of like cottage. I have been removing huge trees on property. Approx. 60+ years . Bought property recently from an elderly lady, who moved into a home for the elderly. Massive amt of trees & roots. Can't wait to replace with a few small trees that are pretty and easy maintenance. Any suggestions for zone 6 would be helpful.. I love little birds too.

Jes Nieto

2016-09-26 13:25:16

Am looking for snow ball bushes and was given your email. Wanted to plant them this fall.

Kate Karam

2016-09-29 10:37:18

Do you mean snowball viburnum? You can order them from us or from your local garden center. Here's the link: http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2209/eastern-snowball/

Rod Castor

2016-09-28 11:22:32

I need a fast growing evergreen shade tree; zone 9 medium sized

Kate Karam

2016-09-29 10:35:59

Medium sized would typically range from 25-40 feet in height. The issue with "fast-growing" larger trees is that what you gain in terms of a big tree fast, you pay for in the duration of life. "Fast growing" larger trees tend to be more brittle and don't last like a slow growing tree would. Just be aware of this when you are thinking about what to buy. Here are a few that might suit your needs. We are not a "tree" nursery so you might want to reach out to your local garden center to see what size they can provide. Hope this helps! California Pepper Tree http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2084/california-pepper-tree/ Majestic Beauty Evergreen Ash http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1283/majestic-beauty-evergreen-ash/ Taiwanese Parasol Tree http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3088/taiwanese-parasol-tree/ Silver Dollar Tree http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1097/silver-dollar-tree/

Daniel

2016-11-02 12:10:09

Can you recommend some specimen trees for planting within 10 feet of my sidewalk & slab foundation home. I'm in zone 10, and don't mind deciduous but prefer no messy berries, of leaves that will clog the grates that cover my rain gutters. presently I have a cajeput paperbark tree in the location, it is beautiful but has grown to 30+ feet and is raising the sidewalk so I have decided to remove it. Lastly, will a European Birch work?

T Jarmuth

2017-07-20 12:06:53

Looking for evergreen bush or tree to create a hedge from my new commercial neighbor. (My property is residentially zoned.) I have a limited amount of space, 10'wide by 30'long, that abuts my septic system and drain field. Shallow roots are preferred. I've read where ornamental trees such as cherry, crabapple trees, and dogwood trees are a wise choice but I am looking for evergreen. I guess there are some pine trees (Monterey pine is a no-no) with less aggressive root systems. Please advise.

Murat Koprulu

2017-10-24 16:23:20

I wish to find the optimal small tree, evergreen or otherwise, for a terrace on the lower Hudson River in Manhattan, NY. This is ZONE 7. What would you recommend for up to 10 feet tall, and exciting to look at all year long. It would live in a pot, or it could be placed in the ground, we have about 1 foot of ground dirt below. We have half the day sun, and half the day shade as the sun sets across the river on New Jersey.

Anita

2018-04-30 12:03:26

Good Afternoon! I recently had a "small" tree (in circumference) removed from next to my chimney, as the top branches had grown so much I was concerned about a fire hazard. So, I'm looking for what to plant in it's place. This is a very shady side of the house, surrounded by rather huge hemlocks. There are a lot of ferns on that side of the house, and I planted hostas a couple years ago. (I've been in the area for 4 years now!!) The pink azaleas are close by, as is a Korean Spice bush--just to give you an idea of the landscape. I'd so appreciate your recommendations as to what to plant next to the chimney. I was thinking of a small tree, as it seems I need something with some height in that area. By the way, I love anything that flowers. Fragrance would be a double treat!!Thanks so much for your time, expertise, and energy in responding to my inquiry!! Oh yes--I'm in the Hendersonville, NC area.

Barb Coppola

2018-05-01 10:40:40

I visited your site hoping to get some insight into why my Monrovia Japanese White Wisteria has never bloomed after 10 years. I have not fertilized it, I have pruned it in the winter, it gets afternoon sun for about 6 hours. The only thing it does is vine around and up into an old sweet gum tree. Does anyone know why this would be the case? What else can I possibly do to get my wisteria to bloom?

Kate Karam

2018-05-07 09:02:18

I'm sure if you've Google this topic, you will find that wisteria can take sometimes take 10 years or sometimes longer to really settle in and its thing. While you don't want to provide too much nitrogen, it sounds like your plant could benefit from some bonemeal to kick start it. Also, most wisteria benefit from a summer pruning, too. Cut back those long shoot.

Diane Sullens

2018-05-26 10:04:06

We newly planted a chocolate fountain tree. We live in Oklahoma & have been watering it faithfully. However, some of the leaves are beginning to fall off. Why is happening & what can we do?

Gloria Canlas

2018-07-14 17:48:05

I am from Auburn Washington (zone 8b) In late May 2018 I transplanted a japanese barberry (rosy glow). It was growing nicely in a pot for more than 10 years now. But when transplanted to the ground half of the branches curled up and dry . It receives mid morning and afternoon sun. Drying up leaves started when it's 80 degrees and above. Is the location too hot ? I know it is heat and drought tolerant. Least I could do is give shade {from a carton box } whenever it's hot outside.

Sandra LaPointe

2018-08-03 20:29:12

My Chocolate Fountain Albizia tree I purchased a week ago looks like it's dying. It has lost some foliage, the fern foliage leaves close up at night. Is this normal? I planted it in a big pot. It gets full sun during the day. What is my problem?

Kate Karam

2018-08-09 05:20:14

Hi Sandra--I forwarded this to one of our craftsmen for a complete answer and will post that response here asap. It sounds to me like a simple case of transplant shock but let's dig deeper.

Linley Brinker-Harding

2018-08-05 14:01:33

[email protected] Is the Vitex deciduous in Fresno, Ca? When should it be pruned? I am looking for a small accent tree that will be planted between my house & pool. Id like for the tree to shade the east facing wall of the house & the patio area that is the space between house & pool. Another tree Ive thought of is the crepe myrtle. Thank you.

Kate Karam

2018-08-09 05:18:13

Hi Linley-- It is deciduous and will lose some or all of it's leaves even in your very warm zone. It shouldn't need pruning unless there's a distinct reason for that such as dead or weak limbs. But if you need to prune, do so in early spring. It's nice because it's fast growing and not susceptible to pests or diseases. Crape myrtle is another good choice--just be sure to get the right size as some are more like street trees and get can large. You might like the Zuni series--check with your local garden center, too!

Adriana Valencia

2018-09-30 13:15:54

I'm in zone 9 and I have a small front yard, like real small. Got rid of my grass, planted some agaves, a santa rita optunia, and a couple Safari Sunset leucadendrons. I have a California Pepper tree I planted in the middle of them all. But recently found out that it is very invasive and I was mis-informed of that. So now I have to take it down. I previously had a Jacaranda that tore up my sidewalk and driveway, plus I have a sewer pipe running thru the front yard too! ANyway, I was looking to maybe put a tree that is non-invasive, preferably evergreen and not messy and has color?? Is that asking too much? I really wanted something that would grow fast, for the shade, but I am willing to wait. I wanted a Forest Pansy, but I know they are deciduous and not sure it will do good in direct sun. I wouldn't mind if it was deciduous, and I wouldn't mind a fruitless olive too if they are non invasive. I really liked the pepper tree because it grew fast. Any suggestions? Sorry I'm picky but nothing really grows in my front yard because it gets too hot and so I have too much green stuff so I need more color.

Margaret Larson

2019-02-14 12:51:04

you have no information about where to purchase the polysporas on the east coast of Fl. We live in Stuart, FL.

jacob

2019-07-09 14:28:34

majestic-beauty-fruitless-olive/. are the roots on the olive tree destructive if planted , say 3 feet from a retaining rock wall.

Shary albert

2019-07-11 09:55:34

What small tree( under 15 feet) looks good but drops nothing! In zone 8(garner, nc)

Barbara McKinder

2020-01-31 16:26:43

We are looking for a shrub that can be made into a small tree (8-10 feet tall) or a small tree. It is for privacy between two yards and we do not want a messy tree because our tenants put in astro turf and we do not want the gardeners to have heavy maintenance problems. Where we live the houses are very close together so the yards are small and close together as well. I looked at our local nursery in Carmel Valley for help and they suggested texanum wavy leaf privet and Fraser's photinia which I looked up and they sound messy and possibly invasive. We do not want either of these problems. Thank you for your advice.

Justin Hancock

2020-02-03 09:01:11

Hi! Without knowing more about the growing conditions, it's tough to make any specific recommendations. But if you email our team at [email protected] with more information---light, moisture, soil type, as well as other details we need (such as how wide the shrub or small tree can grow), we'll be able to make the right recommendations for your space. Justin, Monrovia Horticultural Craftsman

rebecca white

2020-04-28 09:24:38

Hello, Can you recommend a small tree or bush that is evergreen and grows to a maximum height of about 8-10 feet and is happy in partial sun? Thank you! Rebecca

Roger Doebke

2020-06-05 06:34:31

Would the Natchez Crape Myrtle be a poor choice for zone 10a (Irvine)?

Marnie Brow

2020-11-10 15:22:12

We used to live in Irvine and to our experience (and seeing them in bloom in town), crape myrtles do well there. There is sufficient summer heat for blooming. We're now in Dana Point and crape myrtles don't flower as well here, because it's a bit cooler. Hope this helps. :)

Linda

2020-06-26 00:18:28

Can a Fruitless Olive Tree be planted near Crape Myrtle Trees?

Karen

2020-08-15 14:12:05

For small spaces? some of these tress grow quite tall...doesn't seem to me to be appropriate for small spaces. It might be useful for you to select some tree type shrubs that can be allowed to grow taller but through judicious pruning can be kept in check. Maples ae beautiful in our zone 10a but must be grown in dappled shade...it would be interesting to have some selections that grow well in south facing coastal.

michelle karachristos

2021-04-19 14:45:54

I am looking for preferably a decorative tree that can remain potted for zone 9

Megan McConnell

2021-04-19 18:02:14

It's good in a warmer climate to choose something a little more drought-resistant if it's going to be in a pot. The Majestic Beauty Fruitless Olive would be a great option.

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Best Problem-Solving Small Trees for Small Spaces (Zones 7 - 11)