How to Select Small Flowering Trees for the Home Landscape

Flowering trees are beautiful to look at and add a splash of color to the landscape. However, as with all trees it is important to consider the mature height of the tree when planting it. If the yard is small, consider a small flowering tree variety.

Choose Small Flowering Trees that Prefer Regional Temperatures

Look up the USDA Hardiness zone to identify the average low and high temperatures in the region where the small flowering tree will be planted. Rule out trees ill-suited for the climate. While some trees may survive outside their zones, they won’t thrive and may not flower.

When considering small flowering trees, look at the tag on it and identify the lowest temperature for which it is cold hardy. Shoppers should compare this to the regional information to make sure that the tree is compatible with the area.

Choose Flowering Fruit Trees

Purchase flowering fruit trees, such as cherry or crabapple, that will also supplement the diet. All fruit bearing trees develop flowers, but have the added benefit of turning into edible fruit after the flowers fade. Almost all fruit trees are available in dwarf varieties which typically do not exceed 10 feet tall.

In addition, regular pruning of even normal size flowering fruit trees will keep them relatively small. A visit to a local orchard will reveal that many fruit trees are actually quite small and the size does not impact the fruit development or taste at all. In fact, many think that smaller fruit trees produce tastier fruit.

Small Flowering Trees that Bloom in Spring or Fall

Buy small flowering trees that bloom in spring for early color, or in the summer or fall for late color. A good late blooming flowering tree is the Crepe Myrtle which can be pruned annually to remain lower than 10 feet. It will bloom throughout the hot summer months and is drought tolerant which is another plus.

Early blooming small trees include the Dogwood, Crabapple and Painted Buckeye. These trees provide a much needed splash of color after a long cold winter. This is where choosing fruit trees is good because most early bloomers simply have green leaves the remainder of the year, whereas fruit trees will give you a little something extra.

Don’t Rule out Dwarf Flowering Trees

Dwarf flowering trees may be the answer for many homeowners, since many of the tall tree varieties are also available in dwarf varieties. Dwarf flowering trees are hybrids that have been genetically modified to reach smaller heights. The number of dwarf varieties are too many to list, so ask a local garden center if there is dwarf version of a favorite tree.

Another advantage for dwarf flowering trees is that many can be planted in pots. Whether the pots are places on a deck, patio, or at strategic location around the yard, they make the trees easily portable as well as attractive.

Small flowering trees add another dimension to the home landscape as well as color. Choosing a tree that is sized to fit the landscape area will ensure that it will thrive for many years to come.

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