CORVALLIS, Ore. — As cities grow, yards shrink and big shade trees often won’t fit. The good news: plenty of small trees thrive in tight spaces.
Start with the site, not the species, said Chris Rusch, an Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener volunteer in Douglas County.
“You can’t just go buy a tree and then find a spot for it,” she said. “You have to get a tree that’s suitable for the site.”
Consider sun, soil, and nearby power lines, fences, patios and foundations. Then research options online, consult books, or ask a reputable garden center. Also think about what you want most: spring bloom, summer shade, fall color, winter bark — or a combination.
Rusch considers trees in the 20- to 30-foot range ideal for small gardens, and useful in larger landscapes to add texture and screening.
“However you approach it, you can find your perfect tree,” Rusch said. “You can have shade in summer, bright foliage in fall, flowers in spring and summer. Interesting forms and colorful, curious stems. You name it.”
Chris Rusch’s favorite small trees
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
A wide range of cultivars reach 10 to 25 feet. Some have burgundy leaves; many have finely cut foliage and exceptional fall color. Winter can reveal red to red-orange branches. “Japanese maples are really pretty trees that are nice for Oregon,” Rusch said. “Their characteristics are adapted to our climate.” Hardy to Zone 5 or 6.
Dogwood (Cornus)
Rusch favors Oregon’s native Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) and the Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa). Both reach about 25 feet. Large white spring bracts shine against evergreens, followed by summer foliage and red fall color. Many can be pruned to multi-trunk forms or trained to a single trunk. Prefer light shade. Pacific dogwood is hardy to Zone 7; kousa to Zone 5.
Flowering crabapple (Malus)
Easy-care trees topped with white or pink-purple bloom for up to a month in spring. Most mature at 20 feet or less. Plant in full sun and choose disease-resistant varieties such as ‘Gold Raindrops,’ ‘Adirondack,’ ‘Sugar Tyme’ and ‘Red Jewel.’ Wildlife flock to the fall fruit. Prune when young for structure; prune sparingly thereafter. “Crabapples are gorgeous,” Rusch said. “They have beautiful flowers and the fall colors are bright red, really nice.”
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’)
Spring leaves emerge silver, turn green in summer, then glow yellow to orange in fall. White May flowers are followed by orange-red clusters that feed wildlife into winter. About 30 feet. Hardy to Zone 5.
Purpleleaf plum (Prunus cerasifera)
Noted for dark purple foliage and fragrant light pink flowers in early spring. ‘Thundercloud’ is popular. Grows 15 to 25 feet. Needs full sun. Hardy to Zone 4.
Right plant, right place tips
- Measure height and width clearances (including under power lines).
- Match water and soil conditions to the species.
- Plan for roots — keep trees away from foundations and narrow planting strips.
- Choose disease-resistant cultivars when available.
- Prune early for good branch structure; avoid heavy pruning later.
Previously titled Five worthy trees for small gardens
