Small Trees for Home Landscapes
Marianne C. Ophardt
Washington State University Extension
Area Horticulture Specialist
Plant small trees. Of course, most trees are relatively small when planted in the home landscape, but only “small” trees stay a reasonable height for the normal home landscape. According to Dr. Ray Maleike, WSU Extension Horticulturist, smaller trees generally require less care than larger trees. He says, “Small trees can be chosen so that they remain in bounds, have multi-seasonal interest, and are hardy, resistant to pests, and drought tolerant.” He points out that when small trees do need care, such as pruning, irrigation, fertilization and spraying, the task is much easier because the tree isn’t so tall.
Larger trees also often create problems with their root systems. The roots of larger trees tend to be more invasive, causing problems with sidewalks, driveways, and lawns. It’s prudent to note that the roots of a tree frequently extend as far from the trunk as the tree is tall. This root growth can be quite rapid, with the roots growing to three times the branch spread within two to three years after planting. Just imagine how far out the roots of large shade trees, with crowns that grow to heights of 50 to 80 feet, will reach! The smaller the tree, the smaller the root problem.
Smaller trees seldom require extensive pruning to keep them in bounds. Usually only minimal pruning ... to enhance the shape or remove limbs with undesired placement... is needed. Large shade trees tend to outgrow their space in the landscape and can require costly, extensive pruning as they grow older. Even large trees don’t “need” pruning except to remove dead or damaged wood. However, pruning is frequently necessary to keep large trees within a reasonable size for the home landscape and to avoid problems with overhead utilities.
While there are a number of lovely shade trees available for use in the home landscape, few offer the seasonal interest that smaller specimen trees display... such as spring flowers, fruit and fall color. Attractive bark and winter silhouettes are also desirable characteristics.
When selecting any type of tree you should consider:
- Mature size of the tree: Is the tree suited to the site and home design? A large shade tree must be sited where it will provide the shade needed and where its roots won’t cause problems. The proximity to overhead and underground utilities, septic systems, swimming pools, building foundations, and paved areas should be assessed. In many situations you want to select trees that don’t grow too tall because they could block a desirable view from your home.
- Pest resistance: Small or large, it’s always a good idea to select a tree that’s not prone to insects or diseases. This is important in reducing pesticide use and lowering the maintenance time required to keep a tree healthy. Avoid pest-prone trees that will require lots of attention, such as white birch which is frequently attached by bronze birch borer or some varieties of flowering crab apples which are bothered by powdery mildew.
- Adaptable to the climate and environment: Many gardeners persist in planting trees not well suited to a particular area. Trees should be winter hardy to UDSA Zone 6 and able to withstand the summer heat stress experienced in this region. Trees that are marginally hardy or prefer milder summers, such as vine maple or quaking aspen, are harder to grow successfully here. It’s upsetting to grow a tree for several years and then have it damaged or killed during a cold winter or stressed by hot summer weather.
- Adaptable to site: Pick a tree suited to the soil conditions and site that has been selected. Trees that do better with in a protected location with some afternoon shade, such as flowering dogwood or Japanese maple, should not be placed on the south side of a building surrounded by concrete and rocks.
- Trees with seasonal interest: Many trees, especially the smaller trees, offer seasonal interest to the landscape... flowers in the spring or summer, fragrance, fall color, fruit, interes