Want trees in your yard but don’t have tons of space? Same here! That’s why I’m so excited to share these 15 amazing small trees that I absolutely love in my yard.
They’re perfect for adding beauty without taking over your whole space.
1. Carolina Silverbell
This Southeastern native has become my go-to recommendation for shaded spots. The nodding white bell-shaped flowers create the most magical spring display.
I love how the oval green leaves transform into brilliant yellow come fall. The furrowed reddish-brown bark adds such lovely texture to winter views.
You can grow it either as a single tree or multi-stem shrub, making it super versatile for different garden spaces.
2. Chase Tree
If you’re looking for versatility, this beauty delivers! It works beautifully as either a tree or shrub, depending on your needs.
The violet-blue flower spikes create an absolutely spectacular show, even if brief. I planted mine along our privacy fence, and the hemp-like palm-shaped leaves create such an interesting backdrop.
Both flowers and foliage are wonderfully fragrant – my favorite spot to sit with morning coffee!
3. Weeping Higgin Cherry
This is my absolute favorite for early spring drama. Those rose pink buds open to the most delicate pale pink blossoms before the leaves even appear.
The dark green summer foliage gives way to showstopping red or yellow fall colors. I positioned mine as a focal point in our front yard, where its graceful weeping form draws admiring glances year-round.
4. Crepe Myrtle
After trying several varieties in my garden, I can’t imagine summer without these beauties. The showy flower clusters come in the most gorgeous range of colors – from soft pinks to vibrant reds and pure whites.
The exfoliating bark adds winter interest when everything else looks bare. I’ve planted dwarf varieties in containers on my patio, and they’re just as stunning as their larger cousins.
You simply can’t go wrong using these as focal points or in mixed borders.
5. Flowering Dogwood
This native treasure has earned a special place in my heart and garden. The four-petal white or pink spring blooms never fail to take my breath away.
By late summer, bright red fruits appear, attracting all sorts of beautiful birds to our yard. The green leaves transform into the most gorgeous purple shade come fall.
I’ve used these beauties both as street trees and woodland border elements, and they excel in both roles.
6. Kousa Dogwood
My Asian-inspired garden corner wouldn’t be complete without this stunning specimen. The white, pink, or pale green flower bracts create such an elegant display.
Those unusual strawberry-like fruits always get visitors asking questions. Whether you choose green or variegated foliage varieties, the scarlet or purple fall colors are simply spectacular.
7. Fringe Tree
This southeastern native has become my secret weapon for fragrant spring gardens. The white fringe-like flowers fill the air with the most incredible scent.
My female trees produce black olive-like fruits that the local birds absolutely adore. The lance-shaped leaves turn such a lovely yellow in fall.
It’s become my favorite way to support local wildlife while adding beauty to the landscape.
8. Golden Chain Tree
Talk about a conversation starter! The long hanging clusters of yellow pea-like flowers stop traffic every spring in my neighborhood.
I’ve trained mine along our pergola, though it works equally well as a single specimen. Those bean-like pods in fall add such interesting texture to the garden.
9. English Hawthorne
This tough little tree has survived everything my garden has thrown at it. I love its adaptability – you can grow it as either a small tree or large shrub.
The spring flowers come in white, pink, or red, followed by cheerful red fruits in fall. Those thorny branches actually make it perfect for creating natural barriers.
10. Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
The star of my front yard! Its weeping habit and deeply dissected foliage create such an elegant silhouette.
The burgundy red leaves hold their color all summer long, then burst into brilliant orange-red come fall. I have mine in a large container where it creates the perfect focal point.
11. Star Magnolia
One of the first trees to bloom in my spring garden, with fuzzy willow-like buds that open into the most beautiful white or pink ribbon-like petals.
I planted mine where we can enjoy the starburst flower formation from our kitchen window. Just remember to site it carefully – those early blooms can be vulnerable to late frosts.
12. Eastern Redbud
The vase-shaped habit of this tree creates such a graceful presence in the landscape. Those pink/purple flower clusters appearing before the leaves never fail to signal spring’s arrival.
I opted for the dwarf variety ‘Ace of Hearts’ in my smaller side yard, and it’s performed beautifully. The heart-shaped leaves turning yellow in fall are just an added bonus.
13. Harlequin Glory Bower
This unique tree (affectionately nicknamed the peanut butter tree) always gets attention when visitors crush a leaf and discover its distinctive scent.
The white star-shaped flowers are wonderfully fragrant, and the metallic blue berries with red calyxes create such unusual fall interest. Just check local guidelines, as it can be invasive in some areas.
14. Franklin Tree
There’s something special about growing this piece of botanical history. Though extinct in the wild, its fragrant white camellia-like flowers thrive in my garden.
The oblong green leaves put on a spectacular show in fall, turning shades of purple, red, and orange. I’ve given it a special spot as a standalone specimen where we can appreciate its beauty up close.
15. Witch Hazel
My absolute favorite for winter interest! When everything else is dormant, those spidery yellow, orange, or red flowers bring such welcome color to the garden.
The fragrant blooms and vase-shaped habit make it perfect for our woodland garden edge. I especially love how the fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop for other autumn perennials.