Small trees for front Gardens

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Front gardens are the very first impression people get of our home. A well designed and maintained front yard is the best way to portray your personal style and values.

In front gardens small trees can help to soften bold lines and the monotony of masonry surfaces. Trees can also add colour, seasonal interest as well creating habitat for song birds and other wildlife. In this article I list and describe 10 small trees suitable for front gardens.

​As well as adding value they will not grow too large helping to safeguard your homes structural integrity.  

1. ​Magnolia

Magnolias are highly favoured for their decorative foliage and very large exotic looking flowers. The flowers typically come in tones of white, pink, purple and yellow while also giving off a pleasant scent. Magnolias are a broad and diverse genus of attractive flowering trees and shrubs perfect for the front gardens. Originally from southern China and the southern United States they prefer a sheltered spot but are generally tolerant. Magnolias are very effective at adding seasonal drama to the front of buildings. 
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​2. Japanese maple 

​Also known by its scientific name (Acer palmatum) this tree is valued worldwide for its attractive foliage and compact form. Originally native to China, Korea and Japan this tree prefers well drained soil and partial shade. The Japanese maple comes in a range of foliage colours from green to red. It is particularly celebrated during autumn when it displays the most radiant of colours. During this time its leaves turn bright tones of brilliant red, orange and yellow. Coming in a variety of sizes and forms this tree is the perfect focal point for front gardens. 
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3. Bay tree

​The Bay tree has long been well known for its aromatic leaves which are popular within cooking. However, Bay is also an extremely sought after ornamental garden tree. It is especially effective in front gardens planted either side of an entrance or window. Two Bay trees are trained into lollypop shapes with a well clipped ball of foliage on top. Its dark green evergreen foliage makes it the perfect tree for pruning into formal hedges and shapes. Once established it is very low maintenance and appreciates a sheltered site with well drained soil. 
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​4. Chinese windmill palm

​Scientifically known as (Trachycarpus Fortunei) this fantastic fan palm is celebrated for its elegance and architectural form. Native to Central China it is favoured for its ability to tolerate much colder temperatures than other palms. This palm is loved for its long, slender trunk of brown fibres and rigid, fan shaped leaves. It is perfect for injecting an exotic feel to gardens with much cooler climates. In colder regions it prefers the shelter of tall walls or buildings. This makes it a perfect specimen for front gardens adding real visual impact! 
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5. ​Siberian pea tree

The Siberian pea tree is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to Siberia. Due to its native range this tree is extremely resilient, cold hardy and adaptable. It is favoured for its nitrogen fixing properties adding fertility to poor quality soils. This tree has robust roots systems which have also made it useful for erosion control. During spring the pea tree produces yellow pea like flowers which are extremely ornamental. The flowers are followed by clusters of seed pods which also add to its decorative appeal. Its compact size and seasonal splendour makes it the perfect tree for front gardens. 
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6. ​Crab apple

​A very close relative of conventional apple trees the Crab apple is more favoured for its ornamental value. The apples themselves are very small generally measuring around an inch in diameter. The fruits are plentiful and brightly coloured hanging on even after autumn leaves have fallen. This provides visual appeal which continues into the winter months, if local birds allow of course! During spring this small tree is also adorned with attractive flowers which are much loved by pollinators. With its small size, wildlife value, striking flowers, and attractive fruits the crab apple is the perfect small tree for front gardens. 
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​7. Chinese dogwood

Also known by its scientific name (Cornus kousa) is a deciduous tree originally native to East Asia. During early summer it puts on a striking display of pink or white flowers with four lobed petals. These form into vibrant red berries during autumn boosting its seasonal appeal. A combination of dense foliage and edible berries also makes this tree excellent for local birdlife! With this trees adaptability, compact size and numerous aesthetic qualities it is a fantastic choice for front gardens. 
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8. ​Paper bark maple 

​The Paperbark Maple is a small deciduous tree originally native to China. This tree has decorative bark which naturally peels in a ribbon like fashion. This gives it real interest during the winter months when most plants are bare. It also has attractive, trifoliate or ‘three lobed’ leaves which turn shades of red and orange during autumn. The Paper bark maple typically grows no more than 25 feet making it perfect for front gardens. All it needs is a well drained soil and some partial shade.  
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9. ​Corkscrew hazel 

​The Corkscrew hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree loved for its contorted stems and branches. A variation of the traditional hazel this tree is also loved for its attractive foliage and decorative catkins. The corkscrew effect of these hazels branches make it particularly interesting during wintertime. Native to Europe this tree is extremely hardy and tolerant of most growing conditions. For even more visual interest there is also a red foliage variety of this tree. Given a well drained soil and some partial shade it will make a pleasant addition to any front garden.  
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10. ​Flamingo willow

​The Flamingo willow or (Salix integra ‘Hakuro – Nishiki) is an ornamental willow loved for its decorative and variegated foliage. This deciduous shrub is often trained into a small standard tree generally reaching a height of six feet. This makes it the perfect small tree to adorn lawns and small front gardens. The leaves of this tree emerge as a pink colour in spring followed by white and green as they mature. This gives the flamingo willow transitional interest throughout the growing season. this willow is an effective dwarf ornamental tree option for the front of the home. ​

​Thank you for reading our article on the best small trees for front gardens! Below I will link to some other articles you may also find useful. 

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