In the garden: Trees to plant in smaller gardens

Misty mornings are prevailing this November and the temperatures are gradually and noticeably dipping down as the evening closes in earlier, allowing less time for outdoor work.

The herbaceous perennials are being drawn back down into the soil as their summer foliage yellows and falls to the soil, creating cover for micro-organisms and adding to organic matter in the topsoil layer.

Trees and shrubs, particularly deciduous ones, capture the imagination during autumn with the mellowing and sometimes dramatic tones of the falling autumnal leaves.

We will take inspiration from all of this beauty and begin to plan what trees to plant during this dormant season with an emphasis this week on trees suitable for a smaller space.

There are a number of things to take into consideration. Buildings in proximity, services like electricity, water and septic tank, aspect, privacy and biodiversity are some of the more obvious ones.

When planting a tree there may be a particular objective in mind like screening, creating a wind break or providing seasonal interest in the garden. Some trees provide several seasons of interest with autumn leaf colour, spring flowering and perhaps attractive bark or spring foliage also and others may bring some drama to the garden for only one season.

One of the most important features of a tree is predicting its height and spread at maturity as ultimately this is the stage we want it to get to in our gardens.

Below are a few suggestions of trees that get to a medium size and provide several seasons of interest for the garden.

Crataegus persmillis ‘Prunifolia’ is a great tree for a small garden, offering several seasons of interest. It can get to about 6m in height with a spread of about 4-5m and its common name is the plum leaved hawthorn. It is deciduous, turning shades of yellow, red and orange before the leaves fall in autumn. It flowers in spring bearing clusters of white flowers similar to those of our native whitethorn and these are followed by large red berries which persist into the winter months. It will grow on poor soils with good drainage being the main requirement in full sun or semi shade. Exposure is not a problem for this tough tree and it responds well to pruning also. Makes a great specimen tree for the garden and would also be good as a hedge.

Amelanchier lamarckii or Snowy Mespilus is a small tree providing plenty of interest throughout the year. It begins in spring time with single white flowers appearing before dramatic bronze new foliage which is almost as delightful as the flowers. The foliage goes green for summer and then the drama continues in autumn with a blaze of orange and red foliage before leaf fall. There are also fruits after flowering which I have yet to encounter on my own tree, perhaps the birds are getting first! Getting to a height of about 6m with a spread of 3-4m, this tree prefers a neutral to acid free draining soil and will colour up better in autumn on more acidic soil. Tolerates exposure in full sun or partial shade.

Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’ is a small tree with a vase shape. Its most notable characteristic is its spring flowers which are single white flowers with distinctive pink stamens. The deciduous leaves turn shades of orange, red and purple before falling to the ground. Getting to about 5-6m in height with a similar spread, multi stemmed specimens are available also which give the impression of a large shrub rather than a tree as there are several trunks coming from ground level. Provided with a well drained soil in full sun, this tree will reward with spring and autumn glory.

Luma apiculata ‘Glanleam Gold’ is a great tree for a small garden. Normally not partial to variegated foliage, I make an exception for this tree! The variegated evergreen foliage stands out in winter and brings a much needed lift to the structure of the garden. Getting to about 3m tall and about 2m spread it has a more upright habit. The foliage is the main attraction with fragrant white flowers appearing in summer followed by purple berries also welcome as is the attractive cinnamon coloured bark. It will do best in a well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Shelter is important and it will not do well on exposed, cold or windy sites.

Sorbus vilmorinii is a small rowan or mountain ash tree that provides great autumn colour, early summer flowering followed by berries that will bring wild birds to the garden to feast in the autumn. In addition to all of this it has elegant pinnate leaves that cast a dappled shade. Considered a small tree it can get up to 5m tall with a similar spread. It prefers a neutral to acid soil and good drainage in full sun or partial shade. Good on an exposed site as it will tolerate wind.

Whatever space you have there is a plant to suit so fear not.

Putting the research into the best fit for your location before purchasing will be time well spent ensuring that the right tree or shrub will be planted to happily grow and fill the space creating interest, seasonality, cover for wildlife, cleaner air and beauty in your space.

When assessing what soil type exists in your garden it is a good idea to look at neighbouring gardens and what is growing well in them.Rhododendrons are good indicators of acid soil, ash can be an indicator of alkaline soil.

Enjoy discovering what the best tree is for you particular garden conditions!