Best Small Trees for UK Gardens: Our Top Picks

So you want to add more greenery to your garden but don't have the space for one of those huge oak trees. No worries, there are plenty of small trees that can spruce up your outdoor space without taking over. As fellow gardeners with limited room, we've done the research to find the best compact trees that will thrive in UK gardens. Whether you're looking to add colour with blossoms, privacy with dense foliage, or attract wildlife with berries, these petite trees check all the boxes. Keep reading to discover our top picks for small trees guaranteed to make a big impact in your small garden. With the right selection and care, your tiny tree could become the star of your outdoor oasis for years to come.

Choosing the Right Small Tree for Your Garden

When choosing a small tree for your garden, consider the available space and conditions. The perfect pick will thrive for years to come.

Size

Measure your space to determine the maximum size tree it can accommodate. Look for varieties that will stay under 15 feet tall at maturity. Some dwarf trees, like dwarf crabapples or dwarf magnolias, only reach 6-8 feet.

Light

Most small trees need full sun for at least 6 hours per day. If your spot is shady, consider trees that can tolerate partial shade like Japanese maples or dogwoods.

Soil

Choose a tree suited to your soil type. For acidic soil, azaleas, camellias or rhododendrons are good options. For alkaline soil, go with almond or apricot trees. And for poor soil, try a blackthorn sloe or a rowan tree.

Maintenance

Look for low-maintenance trees if you want to minimally prune or treat disease. Crabapples, hawthorns, and cherries largely take care of themselves. Higher-maintenance trees like espaliered fruit trees require more care but are very rewarding.

With the right choice, you’ll have a small but striking tree that enhances your garden for years to come. Do a little planning to find one perfectly suited to your space and needs. Your garden will thank you!

Our Top 5 Picks for Small Trees in UK Gardens

When choosing small trees for your garden, it can be tough to decide with so many great options. Here are our top 5 picks for small trees that will thrive in UK gardens:

Crabapple (Malus spp.)

With stunning spring blossoms and colourful fall foliage, crabapples are ideal for small gardens. These hardy, low-maintenance trees grow 15-25 feet tall and come in a variety of flower colours like pink, red and white. The small, ornamental fruit can attract birds but is usually not edible for humans.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

A favourite for its graceful shape and brilliant autumn colours, the Japanese maple grows 10-25 feet tall. Its vibrant red or orange fall foliage is a showstopper. Japanese maples prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Their delicate leaves are prone to sun scorch, so plant in a spot that gets shade during the hottest part of the day.

Dogwood (Cornus spp.)

Dogwoods are cherished for their ornamental blossoms and red fall color. Growing 15-30 feet tall, their spring flowers are often white or pink. Dogwoods need well-drained, moist soil and do best in partial shade. Their eye-catching bark and berries provide winter interest.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

With clusters of white spring blossoms and bright red haws (berries) in fall, hawthorns put on a show in every season. These hardy trees grow 10-25 feet tall with a rounded shape. Hawthorns thrive in full sun and a range of soil types. Their dense crown provides excellent nesting spots for birds.

Snowy Mespilus (Amelanchier lamarckii)

Also known as juneberry, this multi-season stunner has white spring flowers, edible purple berries in early summer and fiery red fall foliage. Growing 15-25 feet tall, snowy mespilus is very low-maintenance and deer resistant. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The berries are enjoyed by both birds and humans.

Growing Conditions to Consider When Selecting a Small Tree

When choosing a small tree for your garden, there are a few growing conditions to keep in mind to ensure its health and longevity.

Climate Compatibility

Select a tree that will thrive in your local climate and zone. Small trees like Japanese maples, dwarf fruit trees, and ornamental cherries do best in temperate climates, while palms and citrus can handle warmer weather. Check the hardiness zone rating to make sure the tree can handle your region’s lowest temperatures.

Sun Exposure

Most small trees need full sun for at least 6 hours a day to produce dense foliage and flowers. However, some varieties like dogwoods and redbuds can tolerate part-shade. Make sure you plant your tree in an area of your garden that gets adequate sunlight and avoids shadows from buildings and larger trees.

Soil Conditions

The ideal soil for most small trees is loamy, fertile, and well-draining. Heavy clay soil should be amended with compost or topsoil to improve drainage and aeration for the roots. Check your tree’s soil requirements to determine if the soil pH should be acidic, neutral or alkaline before planting.

Space

Even though small trees take up little space compared to large trees, they still need adequate room for their canopy to spread. Make sure you choose a tree that will fit the available space in your garden, considering its mature height and spread. Also, plant the tree at least 3 to 5 feet away from paths, buildings and fences to allow for future growth.

Watering and Fertilizing

For the first few years after planting, small trees require regular watering and fertilizer to establish themselves. Water the tree thoroughly after planting and add a layer of mulch around the base of the trunk to help retain moisture in the soil. Fertilize the tree every few weeks during the growing season. Reduce watering and fertilizing as the tree matures, but monitor to make sure the soil is never completely dry.

Caring for Your Small Garden Tree

Caring for your small garden tree properly will help it thrive for years to come. The keys to success are providing the right amount of light, water and nutrients.

Light

Most small trees prefer full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Make sure to plant your tree in a spot that gets plenty of direct light during the day. Some trees, like dogwoods, can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers. Too little light will cause sparse, stunted growth.

Watering

Newly planted trees need regular watering for the first few years. Aim for about an inch of water per week, split into two or three waterings. Check the top few inches of soil before watering—if it's dry, it's probably time. Water slowly so it can soak in, and never leave a tree sitting in water. Once established, most small trees only need watering during very dry periods.

Feeding

Fertilize your tree in early spring before new growth starts and again in late summer or early fall. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser formulated for trees and shrubs. Follow the directions to determine how much and how often to feed based on the size and age of your tree. Never over-fertilize, as this can damage roots.

Pruning

Most small trees require little pruning. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches. You can also do some light shaping by pruning back longer branches. Never remove more than 25% of the canopy at a time. Pruning stimulates new growth, so do any major pruning right after flowering.

Pests and diseases

Inspect your tree regularly for signs of common pests or diseases like aphids, spider mites, leaf spot or fire blight. Treat problems early to avoid damage. Remove and destroy infected plant material and treat with an appropriate organic or chemical spray, following directions carefully.

Keeping an eye on your small garden tree and providing the essentials will reward you with a healthy, happy tree that enhances your outdoor space for years. By giving it what it needs and avoiding what it doesn't, you'll have it looking picture perfect in no time.

Small Tree Planting Tips for Healthy Growth

Once you've selected a small tree perfect for your garden, it's time to plant it. Follow these tips to give your new tree the best start:

Pick the right spot

Choose a location with plenty of space for the tree to grow, at least 8 to 10 feet clearance from buildings and overhanging structures. Make sure the spot gets ample light and has well-draining, fertile soil. If your garden has heavy clay or sandy soil, you may need to amend it with compost or topsoil to provide the right conditions for your tree.

Dig a wide hole

Dig a hole at least two to three times the width of your tree's root ball. Make it shallow, no deeper than the root ball. A wide, shallow hole gives roots more room to spread out.

Loosen the roots

Gently loosen the roots around the edge and bottom of the root ball. This encourages roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil. Be very careful not to damage the root ball itself.

Place the tree

Position the tree in the center of the hole. The top of the root ball should sit slightly higher than the level of the surrounding soil to allow for some settling.

Backfill and water

Backfill the hole around the root ball with the soil you removed, tamping it down gently with your hands as you go to remove air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish.

Mulch and stake

Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but not touching the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents weeds. You may also want to stake the tree to provide support for the first year or two after planting.

Following these tips will get your small tree off to a healthy start. With the right care and maintenance, your tree should thrive and enhance your garden for years to come. Be patient through the early years of establishment, and you'll be rewarded as your tree matures into a focal point of your outdoor space.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the best small trees to add interest, color and height to your garden without overwhelming the space. Any of these would be an excellent choice and with the right care and pruning will provide you with many years of enjoyment. Now get out to your local garden center, find one that calls to you, and get planting! Your garden will thank you, and so will the birds, bees and wildlife that benefit from these small but mighty trees. The hardest part will be choosing just one, or finding space for more than one. Happy gardening and happy tree hunting!