Small Trees For Backyard (With Pictures) – Identification Guide

Small trees are an essential addition to a backyard landscape. Growing small trees under 20 feet (6 m) tall is ideal for providing shade, protection, color, and beauty to your property. Many small flowering trees have spectacular fragrant blossoms that enhance your property’s aesthetics. Or, you could plant small evergreen trees to enjoy year-long color in an otherwise barren landscape.

When it comes to choosing small trees to plant in your backyard, there are many to select from. For example, dwarf weeping trees provide a visual focal point in a lawn or flowerbed. Or small decorative trees are ideal for adding beautiful foliage and texture to your property. Additionally, small evergreen trees planted in a row create an effective noise barrier or privacy screen.

This article provides information on selecting the right type of small tree to grow in a backyard. Descriptions and photos of popular ornamental dwarf trees and small types of trees will help you make an informed decision.

How to Select Small Trees For Backyard

To choose the perfect low-growing decorative tree for a backyard, consider its size, spread, and ease of care. Additionally, you should think about the growing zone, the type of soil, and how much sun your backyard gets during the day. Finally, the foliage color and bloom time can help you choose a small tree for your yard.

All the trees in this list don’t grow taller than 20 ft. (6 m) tall. However, even for the smallest backyards, this could be too tall. However, you will also find ornamental trees that only grow a few feet tall. Therefore, it’s good to think about the height of the mature tree.

Small Ornamental Weeping Trees For Backyard (With Pictures) — Identification Guide

Let’s look in more detail at some of the best small ornamental trees with a weeping habit.

Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees

Dwarf weeping cherry trees are compact, slow-growing deciduous trees that produce beautiful, white or pink fragrant flowers in early spring. The tree’s glossy dark green leaves grow on cascading branches, turning shades of gold, red, orange, and bronze in the fall. Depending on the species, dwarf weeping cherry trees grow 6 to 15 ft. (1.8 – 4.5 m) tall.

The weeping cherry trees are ideal for planting in sunny locations in a front or backyard. Here are a few of the most spectacular dwarf weeping cherry trees:

Japanese Flowering Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus serrulata ‘Kiku-Shidare-Zakura’)—Also called sakura, this eye-catching small tree has pink blossoms with double ruffled petals flowering on cascading branches. It grows 10 to 15 ft. (3 – 4.5 m) tall.

Hiromi dwarf weeping cherry tree (Prunus jacquemontii ‘Hiromi’)—This miniature ornamental weeping tree grows 3 to 6 ft. (1 – 1.8 m) tall. Its decorative value comes from its masses of fragrant pink flowers covering arching branches that almost reach the ground.

Snow Fountain dwarf weeping cherry tree (Prunus serrulata ‘Snow Fountain’)—The white-flowering decorative weeping cherry tree has a rounded canopy and stunning pure white, bright flowers. It grows 8 to 15 ft. (2.4 – 4.5 m) tall and 6 to 8 ft. (1.8 – 2.4 m) wide.

Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade in organically-rich, well-drained soils.

Size: 3 to 15 ft. (1 – 4.5 m) tall and up to 15 ft. (4.5 m) wide.

Zones: 4 to 9.

Weeping Eastern Redbuds (Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ and ‘Lavender Twist’)

Several species of redbud trees have a weeping habit and beautiful flowers. These ornamental dwarf weeping trees are identified by their early spring flowers blooming on bare branches. The weeping redbuds have small heart-shaped leaves and dainty pink or pink-purple flowers.

These dwarf ornamental trees are spectacular landscaping plants with attractive clusters of flowers for a small-scale backyard.

Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade in organically-rich, well-drained soils.

Size: 5 to 6 ft. (1.5 – 1.8 m) tall and 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) wide.

Zones: 5 to 9.

Weeping Mulberry (Morus alba ‘Chaparral’)

The weeping mulberry ‘Chaparral’ is a small ornamental tree with arching branches covered in glossy green foliage. The decorative features of this white mulberry cultivar are its yellowish-green flowers, blackberry-like edible fruit, and cascading branches that weep to the ground. This heat and drought-tolerant tree has shallow roots and grows in a wide range of soils.

Growing conditions: Full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-draining soils.

Size: 6 to 8 ft. (1.8 – 2.4 m) tall and 8 to 12 ft. (2.4 – 3.6 m) wide.

Zones: 4 to 8

Weeping Crabapple (Malus ‘Louisa’)

The weeping crabapple is a beautiful ornamental fruit tree famed for its red flower buds and breathtaking pink flowers. After flowering, the droopy tree produces small yellowish-red apples that persist through fall until winter. With its cascading branches and attractive flowers, this tree attracts bees and early spring pollinators.

Weeping crabapples are excellent trees for landscaping a backyard where space is limited. However, when the small crab apples drop, the trees can become somewhat messy in winter.

Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade in organically-rich ground, and the soil needs to have good drainage.

Size: 12 to 15 ft. (3.6 – 4.5 m) tall and wide.

Zones: 4 to 8.

Small Flowering Trees For Backyard

If you are looking for beautiful flowering trees for landscaping a compact backyard, then please continue reading. You will find stunning trees that don’t grow very tall — ideal if you don’t have much room in your backyard.

Sargent Crabapple (Malus sargentii)

The crabapple dwarf cultivar ‘Sargent’ is a small flowering tree well suited to growing in a compact backyard. The white-flowering tree is identified by its small dainty blossoms, dense, lush green foliage, and zigzagging branches. In addition, this crabapple tree is a small ornamental fruit tree that produces tiny cherry-sized apples.

Sargent crabapple has a spreading crown covered in dense foliage. In addition to having white flowers and attractive foliage, the leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, adding to its charm.

Growing conditions: Full sun in moderately moist, organically-rich, well-drained soils.

Size: 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) tall and 6 to 12 ft. (1.8 — 3.6 m) wide.

Zones: 5 to 9.

Small Magnolia Trees

Many species of magnolia trees are small ornamental trees producing stunning pink, purple, white, and yellow flowers. Backyard magnolias have large, showy cup- or star-shaped flowers, glossy green, leathery leaves, and small cone-like fruits. The small, beautiful trees or multi-stemmed shrubs are perfect for planting in small-scale backyards.

Here are a couple of landscaping ideas for growing magnolias in a garden:

Star Magnolia Small Flowering Tree (Magnolia stellata)—This short deciduous tree has star-shaped white blossoms and ovate leaves. It grows up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall.

Jane Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora x Magnolia stellata)—This attractive small magnolia tree or shrub has large purple and white tulip-like flowers that measure 8” (20 cm). The dwarf flowering tree grows 10 to 15 ft. (3 – 4.5 m) tall and 6.5 ft. (2 m) wide.

Growing conditions: Full sun or partial shade in slightly acidic, fertile soils with excellent drainage.

Size: 8 to 20 ft. (2.4 – 6 m) tall and up to 6 to 12 ft. (1.8 – 3.6 m) wide.

Zones: 5 to 9.

Small Flowering Crape Myrtle Trees

Several varieties of crape myrtle trees are dwarf or miniature trees ideal for planting in the smallest of backyards. The small shrub-like trees are renowned for their showy flower clusters in vibrant reds, pinks, white, and purples. The explosion of colorful blossoms persists from midsummer through to late fall.

Apart from landscaping a backyard, small crape myrtle trees and shrubs are ideal for growing as a foundation planting, colorful screen, or informal hedge.

Growing conditions: Full sun in soils with average moisture and nutrient content.

Size: 3 to 15 ft. (1 – 4.5 m) tall and 3 to 6 ft. (1 – 1.8 m) wide, depending on the cultivar.

Zones: 6 to 9.

Related reading: How to care for crape myrtle ornamental trees.

Dwarf Serviceberry (Amelanchier ‘La Paloma’)

Suitable for a small-scale backyard, the ‘La Paloma’ serviceberry is a white-flowering small tree with shrub-like growth. The attractive ornamental tree has fragrant white blossoms, red or purple berries, and brilliant fall colors of orange and red. Its attractive branching shape and light gray bark give the tree year-round interest.

You can plant this dwarf serviceberry at the back of your house as a hedge, screen, specimen plant for small backyards, or lawn tree.

Growing conditions: Full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained, organically-rich soils.

Size: 8 to 15 ft. (2.4 – 4.5 m) tall and wide.

Zones: 4 to 8.

Small Redbud Trees

Many flowering redbud trees don’t grow over 12 ft. (3.6 m) tall and are perfect for backyard planting. The small deciduous tree is covered in vibrant pink, red, or purple pea-like flowers in spring. These color displays brighten spring gardens for several weeks. After flowering, the ornamental tree produces heart-shaped leaves that develop rich fall colors before they drop.

Growing conditions: Full sunlight or light shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soils.

Size: 5 to 20 ft. (1.5 – 6 m) tall and 15 ft. to 25 ft. (4.5 – 7.6 m) wide.

Zones: 5 to 9.

Small Decorative Trees For the Backyard

Small decorative trees are the perfect landscaping solution for backyard landscapes to add texture, height, and color. Here are several decorative trees with limited growth height that are perfect for any garden or patio.

Shaina Small Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’)

This ‘Shaina’ dwarf Japanese maple is a dwarf variety with branches that form a rounded crown. The ornamental appeal of this low-growing maple tree is its maroon and deep red, lobed, palmate leaves with toothed edges. The tree’s slightly cascading branching habit makes it perfect for compact spaces.

There are other types of dwarf Japanese maples you can plant in a backyard.

Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade in organically-rich, well-drained soils.

Size: 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) tall and 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide.

Zones: 5 to 9.

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

The red buckeye is a fantastic addition to a backyard landscape due to its short stature, huge flower clusters, and large decorative leaves. This small landscaping tree has conical red flower clusters in spring and produces shiny brown nuts in the fall. In addition, the large leafy foliage makes the red buckeye an excellent shade tree.

Use the red buckeye in landscaping as a flowering tree, hedge, or specimen plant.

Growing conditions: Full sun or partial shade in moist, fertile soils that drain well.

Size: 12 to 15 ft. (3.6 – 4.5 m) tall and wide.

Zones: 4 to 8.

Plumeria Tree (Frangipani)

Also called the frangipani tree, small plumeria trees are a popular choice for landscaping backyards with trees in the southern states. Identifying features of the plumeria tree are its exotic, tropical, sweetly-scented flowers, bright colors, and large spatula-shaped leaves. Blooms on plumeria trees can be yellow, pink, white, or multi-colored petals.

Several varieties of plumeria trees that grow less than 20 ft. (6 m) are cultivars of the species Plumeria rubra.

Growing conditions: Full sun in dry to medium moist, well-drained soils.

Size: 10 to 20 ft. (3 – 6 m) tall and 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 – 3 m) wide.

Zones: 10 to 12.

Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii)

Roughleaf dogwood is a decorative tree suitable for compact gardens. Ornamental features of this small tree are its clusters of flat-topped creamy-white flowers, large elliptic to oval leaves, and white berries in late summer. The tree’s foliage has a distinct rough texture on the upper side and a velvety underside.

The roughleaf dogwood tree species is ideal for growing in sunny backyards as an informal screen, privacy hedge, or windbreak. In addition, its tolerance for damp soil makes it suitable for planting near ponds.

Growing conditions: Full sunlight or partial shade in medium, moist, to wet soils.

Size: 6 to 15 ft. (1.8 – 4.5 m) tall and wide.

Zones: 5 to 8.

Small Evergreen Trees For Backyard

Many compact, small backyard landscapes benefit from planting evergreen trees. Conifers and other trees that keep their foliage are a perfect choice for privacy, shade, and green color throughout the year.

Irish Yew ‘Fastigiata’ (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’)

The Irish yew ‘Fastigiata’ is one of the most popular dwarf evergreen trees for planting in a garden at the rear of a property. The slow-growing coniferous tree has a columnar growth habit, making it an ideal choice for tight spaces. The evergreen foliage consists of needle-like leaves, and red berry-like fruits appear in summer.

Landscaping ideas for growing an Irish yew include mass planting for a privacy hedge, foundation planting, or as a vertical accent tree in a compact backyard.

Check out some attractive yew shrubs for landscaping.

Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade in organically-rich, well-drained soils.

Size: 3 to 15 ft. (1 – 4.5 m) tall and up to 15 ft. (4.5 m) wide.

Zones: 4 to 9.

Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’)

The Sky Pencil holly is a small evergreen tree with narrow growth, making it an excellent choice for space-restricted backyards. This holly species has glossy evergreen foliage on upward-pointing branches, tiny white flowers, and black berry-like fruits. The Japanese holly is a slow-growing tree and easy to care for in a partially sunny landscape.

You can plant the Sky Pencil holly as a screen, hedge, specimen tree, foundation planting, or wall-side border.

Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade in moist soil with good drainage.

Size: 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) tall and up to 3 ft. (1 m) wide.

Zones: 6 to 8.

Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper (Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’)

The Pencil Point juniper is one of the smallest dwarf trees with evergreen foliage. The short, columnar tree only grows a few feet tall. The attractive features of this juniper tree are its blue-green needle leaves that turn a coppery-green color in the fall.

The columnar shape of the conifer means it’s perfect for planting in tight spaces. It also grows well as an accent plant, at the corner of the house, or in a container to add greenery to a patio in cooler climates.

Growing conditions: Easy to grow in full sun and well-draining soils with moderate moisture.

Size: 2 to 3 ft. (0.6 – 1 m) tall and 1 to 2 ft. (0.3 – 0.6 m) wide.

Zones: 2 to 6.

Check some other beautiful dwarf evergreen conifers that provide year-long decorative value in garden landscapes.

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• Small Flowering Trees
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