Small Trees For Front Yard (With Pictures) – Identification Guide

Planting small trees in your front yard is an excellent way to boost curb appeal. Small flowering, weeping, and evergreen trees help to enhance a compact front yard landscape. They add beautiful colors, interesting shapes, and year-long visual appeal to the front of your house. Additionally, small decorative trees under 10 feet (3 m) tall in a front yard can provide a measure of shade without casting a shadow over your home.

You can plant small trees in your front garden to support local ecosystems. For example, dwarf flowering trees in a front yard attract birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Additionally, some small evergreen trees can provide shade from the hot sun, and still look attractive in the winter. And small ornamental weeping trees look spectacular in the front of your property.

Suppose you want to improve the appearance of your front yard. In that case, this article lists the top ornamental trees suitable for small spaces. In addition, you will learn about suitable small flowering trees, dwarf weeping trees, and evergreen trees that enhance curb appeal.

How to Select Small Trees For Front of House

Choosing small trees for your front yard requires considering a few things before planting them. First, ensure you choose a dwarf variety of ornamental trees. Ideally, the small decorative tree’s mature height shouldn’t be more than 10 feet (3 m). Additionally, it would be best to choose a small landscaping tree suitable for your climate, sun exposure, and moisture levels.

There are also other considerations when selecting a small tree for landscaping. For example, small evergreen trees are ideal as privacy trees. Or maybe, you would like to enjoy spring blossoms or fruit from your tree. If so, think about a dwarf apple tree or a weeping cherry tree.

Then there is the issue of the landscaping tree’s size, shape, and color. For example, some decorative trees for a front yard have stunning red foliage or beautiful fall colors. In contrast, others are prized for their stunning colorful spring and summer flowers.

Small Ornamental Trees For Front Yard (With Pictures) – Identification Guide

Small decorative weeping trees are popular in small front yards because they add tremendous visual value without taking up much space. Their graceful cascading branches create a focal point in front of your house or enhance a flower bed. Here are four dwarf weeping trees to consider planting.

‘Red Dragon’ Weeping Japanese Maple Tree (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Red Dragon’)

The decorative weeping Japanese maple ‘Red Dragon’ is an eye-catching dwarf tree with cascading branches and stunning burgundy lacey palm-like leaves. The red-leaved weeping tree retains its color throughout the season before turning vivid red and crimson in the fall. This dwarf ornamental weeping tree is ideal for front yards.

The ‘Red Dragon’ Japanese maple tree grows between 6 and 8 ft. (1.8 – 2.4 m) tall and only 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide. The deciduous weeping small maple tree is best planted in partial shade to retain its vibrant red foliage throughout summer. This ornamental foliage tree is suitable for USDA zones 5 to 8.

Japanese Weeping Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kiku-Shidare-Zakura’)

Flowering cherry trees look stunning in front yards, and the Japanese weeping cherry tree is no exception. The small cherry blossom tree with cascading branches and beautiful double, rich pink powder-puff flowers brighten spring front gardens. The clusters of flowers enhance the bronze-emerging leaves that turn dark green in summer.

‘Kiku-Shidare-Zakura’ dwarf weeping cherry tree typically grows 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 – 3 m) tall and wide. The landscaping tree’s showy flowers, colorful fall foliage, and bronze bark give the decorative tree year-long visual interest.

Plant the Japanese weeping cherry tree in full sun in USDA zones 4 to 9 for best results.

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

Two weeping eastern redbud flowering trees are perfect for planting in a front yard — ‘Lavender Twist and ‘Ruby Falls.’ These eastern redbud cultivars, with their pendulous branches, grow around 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall and are identified by their spectacular pink flowers.

The ‘Lavender Twist’ weeping redbud tree is a slow-growing landscaping tree that grows 5 to 6.5 ft. (1.5 – 2 m) tall and wide. This small weeping redbud has a twisted trunk and branches. Expect to see small pinkish-purple flowers appear in early spring, followed by obovate leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

The ‘Ruby Falls’ weeping redbud tree grows 6 ft. (1.8 m) and 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide. ‘Ruby Falls’ has beautiful pink spring flowers, deep green-burgundy heart-shaped leaves, and eye-catching yellow fall foliage. Plant the tree in full sun to partial shade in USDA zones 5 to 9.

Dwarf Weeping Mulberry (Morus alba ‘Chaparral’)

The dwarf weeping mulberry ‘Chaparral’ is a popular tree for planting in front yards due to its attractive cascading branching habit. Also known as the white mulberry, this landscaping tree is identified by its glossy-green large leaves, whitish-green flowers, umbrella-like crown, and branches that droop to the ground.

This dwarf weeping landscape tree grows 6 to 8 ft. (1.8 – 2.4 m) high and up to 12 ft. (3.6 m) wide. Its attractive weeping appearance, white fruits, and shiny foliage give it tremendous landscaping appeal at the front of the house.

Small Flowering Trees For Front of House Planting

Planting small flowering trees is a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your property. Trees with pink, white, red, and multi-colored blossoms can beautify your front-of-home landscape from spring through fall. Additionally, their wonderful colors and fragrance welcome anyone visiting your home.

Sargent Crabapple (Malus sargentii)

The ‘Sargent’ crabapple is a small flowering tree with stunning white flowers blooming in the spring. This attractive ornamental tree is identified by its zigzag branches, wide, spreading crown, dense foliage, and white blossoms. In addition, you also get a harvest of small crabapples later in the season.

The compact crabapple tree is a landscape tree growing less than 10 ft. (3 m) tall. Its average size is between 6 and 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) tall and 12 feet (3.6 m) wide. The attractive features of the ornamental fruit tree are its white spring flowers, a spreading canopy of dark green leaves turning golden yellow in the fall, and its unusual branching pattern.

Dwarf Eastern Redbud ‘Ace of Hearts’ (Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’)

This dwarf eastern redbud cultivar ‘Ace of Hearts’ is identified by its attractive clusters of pea-like reddish-purple blossoms. Other features of this small eastern redbud are its interesting irregular branching habit, dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall, and masses of pink flowers on bare branches.

The dwarf eastern redbud ‘Ace of Hearts’ grows 9 to 12 ft. (2.7 – 3.6 m) tall and 10 to 15 ft. (3 – 4.5 m) wide. It is a stunning landscape tree for a sunny spot or accent planting in your front yard. It thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9.

Dwarf Crape Myrtle Trees (Lagerstroemia)

Dwarf crape myrtle trees are large shrubs or small trees that make great additions to small spaces and front yards. The dwarf flowering trees are characterized by large, colorful flower clusters blooming in shades of white, pink, and deep red. The dwarf flowering trees typically grow between 6 and 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) tall.

Some crape myrtles are multi-stemmed landscaping trees with interesting peeling bark. However, all the dwarf cultivars are prized for the spectacular floral displays throughout summer.

Here are some dwarf flowering crape myrtle cultivars under 10 ft. (3 m) tall suitable for planting in a front yard.

Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Acoma’): The multi-stemmed dwarf myrtle tree has an abundance of clusters of pure white flowers consisting of ruffled petals. It’s a hardy cultivar of great ornamental value due to its spectacular flowers, lush foliage, and attractive bark. It grows 10 ft. (3 m) tall.

Tonto Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tonto’): This ornamental flowering tree is characterized by its vibrant pinkish-red flowers and lush green leaves turning purplish-red in the fall. The landscaping tree doesn’t grow taller than 10 ft. (3 m) tall and wide.

Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit VIII’): The deciduous dwarf ornamental tree has bright pink spring flowers, dark-green foliage, and compact growth habit. The dwarf decorative tree grows 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) in height.

Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

The small, flowering ornamental Star Magnolia is a decorative multi-stemmed tree famed for its masses of star-shaped pure white, fragrant spring flowers. The showy snow-white blossoms measure 4” (10 cm), and each contains around 18 strap-like petals, giving them a ruffled appearance. These attractive white flowers contrast with dark-green shiny leaves that turn yellow-brown in the fall.

The ornamental star magnolia shrub-like tree grows 6.5 ft. (2 m) tall and wide. It’s a beautiful addition to any front yard, and its compact size makes it extremely versatile. This decorative small flowering tree thrives in full sun or light shade. Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.

Small Decorative Trees For Front Yard

Many small decorative trees are ideal for planting in front yards because of their attractive foliage, compact growth, and relatively low height. Here are some varieties perfect for many front-of-house landscape designs.

Shaina Small Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’)

The Japanese maple cultivar ‘Shaina’ is an attractive deciduous tree identified by its spectacular deep red palmate leaves and reddish-purple flowers. Ideal for a compact front yard, the Shaina Japanese maple grows 4 to 5 ft. (1.2 – 1.5 m) tall and 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) wide.

This slow-growing ornamental tree has an attractive globe-shaped habit, making it perfect for landscaping a front yard where space is limited. You can plant the decorative red-leaved Japanese maple in full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil. Suitable for USDA zones 5 to 9.

Dwarf Red-Flowering Camellia Trees

Are you looking for a red-flowering dwarf ornamental tree for your front yard? In that case, a red camellia tree is a wonderful addition to a compact landscape. Red camellias grow less than 10 ft. (3 m) tall, with some dwarf varieties only reaching 4 to 5 ft. (1.2 – 1.5 m) high.

Red camellias are identified by their showy deep red flowers with contrasting yellow stamens in the center. These heat-loving trees bloom from October through December, adding color to winter landscapes. Plant the trees as a focal point, accent, or lawn tree.

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Tree (Prunus x cistena)

The purple leaf sand cherry tree is a spectacular blooming ornamental tree that blooms early in the season. The multi-stemmed ornamental tree blooms with masses of pinkish-white cherry blossoms. Its attractive leaves turn shades of green, yellow, orange, and red during the growing season. Additionally, the cherry blossom tree produces edible berries.

The purple leaf sand cherry tree grows 6.5 ft. (2 m) tall. The small size tree is suitable for smaller front gardens or containers. Also, due to its shrub-like growth, you can plant it as a hedge around your front yard. It’s suitable for USDA zones 2 through 8.

American Snowbell Tree (Styrax americanus)

The native American snowball tree is a small shrub-like tree with multiple stems, deciduous leaves, and white bell-shaped flowers. Other attractive features of the American snowbell are its elliptical light green and attractive yellow-green fall color. In bloom during late spring and early summer, the tree is covered in dangling white flowers.

The attractive American snowball tree is suitable for planting in front yards with poor drainage. It’s a slow-grower and grows 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) tall and wide and has an attractive rounded habit. It grows best in USDA zones 6 to 8.

Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

Plant a pygmy date palm in your front yard to give your landscape an exotic look. The pygmy palm is a small palm tree with a graceful arched crown. Its arching fronds create an explosion of tropical foliage at the end of the trunk. Pygmy palms grow 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall and 3 to 5 ft. (1 – 1.5 m) wide.

Palm trees for your garden are suitable for USDA zones 10 and 11. Therefore, you can grow them successfully in a front yard in Florida or other warm climates.

Small Evergreen Trees for Front Yard

Evergreen trees add height and structure to any landscape. They also provide year-round interest and beauty. Some evergreen trees have been selected specifically for their small size. Here are a few examples of small evergreen trees for front-of-the-house planting.

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

The Irish yew cultivar ‘Fastigiata’ is a dwarf, evergreen conical coniferous tree with needle-shaped leaves and small red berries. This ornamental conifer has a slow growth rate and grows 4.5 to 10 ft. (1.4 – 3 m) in ten years. But because of its compact, columnar habit, the evergreen won’t take up much room in a front yard.

The Irish yew ‘Fastigiata’ is a versatile columnar evergreen tree for compact landscapes. Thriving in full sun in USDA zones 6 to 8, the small evergreen tree is ideal for growing as an accent tree, hedgerow, foundation planting, or privacy screen.

Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’)

The slender shrub-like holly tree ‘Sky Pencil’ is a small, narrow, evergreen ornamental tree with a narrow growth habit. The thin ‘Sky Pencil’ Holly is identified by its dark berry-like drupes, glossy green leaves, and slender growing habit. You can plant this ornamental tree in full sun in USDA zones 5 to 8.

This evergreen tree is perfect for compact front yards as it grows 4 to 10 ft. (1.2 – 3 m) tall and wide.

Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper Evergreen Tree (Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’)

Are you looking for a narrow, columnar evergreen tree to add visual appeal to a front yard? If so, the juniper ‘Compressa’ is an ideal choice. This dwarf pencil evergreen grows up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall and 1 ft. (0.3 m) wide. You can grow the small conifer in a front yard in USDA zones 2 to 6.

The versatile landscaping juniper evergreen is ideal as a cone-shaped accent tree, foundation planting, or container plant.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

This dwarf Alberta spruce ‘Conica’ cultivar is a conical, evergreen shrub-like small tree perfect for small front yards. The compact cone-shaped spruce grows as a small landscaping tree, characterized by soft, fragrant, light bluish-green foliage. In addition, this miniature Alberta shrub works as a foundation planting, accent tree, or low-growing hedge.

The slow-growing spruce grows up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall and 3 ft. (1 m) wide. The evergreen landscaping tree is suitable for planting in USDA zones 5 through 7.

Related articles:

• Small or Dwarf Palm Trees – Identification Guide
• Small or Dwarf Evergreen Trees For Your Garden
• Columnar Trees for Small Gardens