Choosing Garden Trees for Small Places

Sections

Syndicate

Choosing Garden Trees for Small Places

| Print |

E-mail

Written by Andrew Kelly

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

by AndrewKelly

Choosing which trees to grow in your garden can be something of a nightmare but, by following a few simple steps, the task can be made far easier. Firstly you need to take a look around the gardens in your area to identify which species grow best and which you think are the most beautiful. There is no better way to see trees than in a mature garden as those on display in a local nursery are usually all bunched together making the decision difficult. You could also get a book about trees from your local library or browse online but you will need to find out if they are suitable for your climate before proceeding.

The most beautiful trees in the garden are usually specimen trees, those types that have good looking blossom or blossom that is sweet smelling. There are other reasons why a tree may be suitable as a specimen tree such as those that bear fruit or those with some kind of architectural qualities such as the corkscrew hazel or a monkey puzzle tree.

The most important thing about a specimen tree is that it must be interesting to such a degree that it stands out in the garden and considerably adds to the gardens overall beauty. One thing that most people fail to realize is that specimen trees do not need to hold a central position in a garden. Quite often trees can look their best as a backdrop to a flower garden or placed in a corner to reduce the 'square' appearance of a backyard.

When choosing trees to grow is a small space it is crucially important that we choose high quality trees, those that are most suited to the role as a specimen tree. In small spaces we are often limited to planting only one such tree and we are further limited as to the choice of tree species that are suitable as most grow to an enormous size (which would cause severe problems for homes and gardens nearby).

As you are most probably aware there are evergreen trees and deciduous trees. Evergreens keep their leaves in winter deciduous trees don't. Choosing which one to grow can be difficult as there are advantages and disadvantages to both types.

Evergreen trees are great for keeping color in the garden during winter months and they can be great for creating privacy screens. However they do not offer any type of bloom of merit (although pine cones add interest), furthermore range of color in evergreens is rather limited to the full range of greens (from lime green to almost blue) to golden or blonde types.

On the other hand deciduous trees have a massive selection of varieties which offer various types of blossom or, in the case of willows, catkins. Deciduous trees are also more diverse in their architectural qualities. One of the most popular trees for small gardens is the flowering cherry tree which has wonderful, sweet smelling, blossom. Unfortunately such trees can be messy, the blossoms falls and all deciduous trees make a right old mess when they lose their leaves.

One of the most important considerations, when choosing which trees to grow in a small space, is the immediate surroundings. You should create a simple plan making special note of any overhanging ledges or roofs. Take special care to notice any cables leading to your house, or next door, that come anywhere near close to your garden. Also watch out for satellite dishes! A thick set tree can play havoc with a reception.

When choosing trees for your garden always pay a visit to your local nursery as they will be a fountain of knowledge on the subject and will have vast local experience. Japanese maples look great in any garden but especially in small spaces where they often look their best. Other trees suitable for small spaces are a number of dogwoods and willows (especially the corkscrew willow). Also take a look at the dwarf and miniature conifers but make sure that they are not just slow growing as you might find yourself in serious difficulties later.

About the Author:

Trees are important in any garden but if you have a small garden there are problems. To find out the solutions and other interesting facts about trees visit Growing Trees in Small Places