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Small Trees to Add Color to Your Landscape

Do you have a bare landscape with grass, a few rocks, and maybe a patio? Your landscape should make home feel more like, well, home-not the backside of a desert. This is the place you invite your friends, family, and loved ones too, right? Right. Not the wild west, just your perfect backyard oasis! Maybe it’s a stretch to call it an oasis, but you get the point. When it comes to your yard, what is something that can enhance the visual look of your backyard, maybe add some privacy, and lots of flair? We are glad you asked! Let’s take a look at small trees for landscaping.

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Best Small Trees for Landscaping

What is the prettiest small tree? What are the fastest growing trees? There are some very colorful bite-sized trees, then some runner-ups (which add less color but still have great features).

Bottlebrush Tree

A Disease Resistant Tree

The Bottlebrush Tree has bright red tube-like flowers which are very attractive. They also attract many birds, butterflies, and other animals and welcome insects as well. The trees produce fruit-but it doesn’t drop often, and can stay attached for years, so no clean up. The Bottlebrush Trees are very resistant to disease and drought, which makes for easy maintenance and upkeep. The tree will grow fast, making it a solid choice when adding to an area of your landscape you want filled quickly. Finally, the Bottlebrush doesn’t need much water, and thrives in full sunlight. This means you can plant in an open area without much cultivation and see colorful effects relatively fast.

Variegated Dappled Willow

A Quick-Growing Tree

The Variegated Dappled Willow is a quick-growing tree. It features gray-pink foliage that turns to a white mint-green, accompanied by dark red stems in the winter which add another layer to its beautiful appearance. This tree, like the Bottlebrush, will grow quickly, which means it can be used on the edges of property for privacy as well as an ascetic. If you plan to plant these trees close to the house, beware… the roots can quickly become entangled with pipes and aggressive underground roots will also dislodge patio pavers. However, in the fall the pale leaves of the Dappled Willow will change to bright yellow, adding another wonderful layer to the tree. (So, just keep it at bay for eye candy).

Crape Myrtle

A Tree with Variety

The Crape Myrtle is known as the “Liliac of the South” because of its beauty. Although there are many varieties, it sports white, pink, or lavender blossoms that turn a darker brighter shade of yellow, orange, or red in the fall. Because there are many hybrids of this tree, the Crape Myrtle can be found in small sizes and is easy to use in tight areas, like near a deck, patio or sidewalk-unlike some other trees. However, you can always find a big enough variety for the proper and desired shade. Speaking of shade, the Crape Myrtle doesn’t like to have much shade of its own, so try not to plant near other big trees or shrubs.

Eastern Redbud Tree

A Low-Maintainence tree

The Eastern Redbud Tree is a brightly colored pink and purple masterpiece. This tough tree can live just about anywhere, and 95 percent or more of the United States. Because of its ornamental look, you will likely recognize this tree quickly-it is very common just about anywhere. George Washington himself even transplanted many Redbuds to his farm in Mount Vernon. The seeds, fruits and flowers of this tree are edible and are used for a variety of foods, from meat seasoning to pickled antioxidants and vitamins. The Eastern Redbud requires little pruning or upkeep after planting as well. There really isn’t any reason not to add this tree to your landscape!

Japanese Maple

A Long Lasting Tree

The Japanese Maple has many varieties, originally hailing from eastern Russia, Korea, and of course-Japan. Although you may or may not be tempted to try and make some oriental-themed syrup, this tree does not harbor any relation to Canada. If you are looking for a tree that will last the test of time and for grandkids and generations to come, the Japanese Maple fits the bill. (It can last for up to 100 years without difficulty.) The deep red color is a great accent for different kinds of homes. Although this tree grows slowly, it is well worth the investment.

Chaste Tree

A Colorful Tree

The Chaste Tree is a fast growing beauty. It has been known to provide many herbal or medicinal benefits from its berries and fruits. For your landscape, it will blossom over a foot long, providing radiant colors. The blossoms are usually blue, but can also fade into pink, purple, and white. Because the colors can vary a bit, make sure you pick out the trees you want while they are blooming, especially if you are picky about the color scheme of your landscape.

Japanese Maples Over Water small trees for landscaping

Here are a few more small landscape trees that still make the list:

Weeping Silver Birch

The Weeping Silver Birch (like many other trees) comes in a vast variety of flavors. For smaller gardens and added style to a landscape, the Weeping Silver Birch is the ideal choice. The “weeping” part of its name comes from the draped hanging branches which flow from the highest parts of the tree. Although this is its distinctive feature, and the branches will grow very wide if allowed to, the branches can be pruned easily for a desired length. Though during the majority of the year the Weeping Silver Birch has regular ol’ green leaves, they turn a bright yellow-orange in the fall. The silver part of its name, if you are still wondering, comes from the bark-which looks like peeling paper scrolls–sort of enchanting to some.

Hinoki Cypress

The Hinoki Cypress is a dark, thick tree that has evergreen features. Because this tree is so dense, it is often used for privacy with many of the same tree in a row together. Do you have an unpleasant feature of your home you would rather not look at? Consider the Hinoki Cypress. As soon as you plant it, you will begin to see them everywhere! (Not in your yard, but you will truly realize how popular the tree is). Although there are very tall versions of the Hinoki Cypress, most are found in the 25 to 35 foot range. The tree should be pruned in the summer months, and enjoyed all year long!

Seven Son Flower

The Seven Son Flower tree was widely unknown until discovered in China during the early 1900’s. It took until 1980 before this tree was cultivated and used throughout the world. The Seven Son can adapt to many environments, making it tough and long lasting. The flowers bloom from the large leaves in sets of seven, which is where the tree got its name. It can grow from 15 to 20 feet tall, making it noticeable but not overpowering. During the fall, it can quickly turn from golden-yellow to crimson-red, leaving a beautiful aftersight.

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We hope you enjoyed reading about some of the best small landscape trees to add. Most of these trees usually provide lots of color to a landscape.

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