The 12 Best Dwarf Trees Under 10 Feet Tall for Your Yard
These easy-to-grow beauties are all super small!
If you have a small yard, a big sugar maple or stately oak won't fit. Luckily, there are plenty of petite trees that can be planted in your yard or garden. In fact, many trees have been bred for smaller spaces. When shopping, check estimated tree heights and look for shorter varieties. Ones that have the word "dwarf" in their names are typically shorter, as are weeping trees, or trees with drooping branches. And always make sure it can withstand winters in your USDA Hardiness zone.
After that, it’s important to plant it properly. Don’t jam it up against the house or plant under eaves, wires, or overhangs. If you do, it won’t have room to stretch its limbs.
When you've located a good spot, dig a hole about 2 or 3 times the width of the root ball. Remove the burlap or pot, and use your gloved hands or a knife to rough up the surface of the root ball. (This will help give your tree a jumpstart on getting established.) Then place the tree in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot. Make sure the root flare, the tapered area at the base of the trunk, is placed above ground. Refill the hole but don’t add anything such as peat moss to the soil. Though that used to be the recommendation, trees actually do better when their roots learn to grow in the native soil. Finally, water, water, water, especially during dry spells for the first two years. Here's some more information on proper tree planting.
And here are our favorite small trees under 10 feet tall:
Japanese Maple
The elegant form and delicate foliage of this type of maple make it an outstanding focal point in your garden. With hundreds of varieties that include leaves in shades that range from green to orange to deepest red, you’ll find one to love! Some take full sun, while many require some shade, so read the plant description thoroughly before buying.
Height at maturity: 6 to 10 feet
Varieties to look for: Tamukemaya, Rhode Island Red, Shaina
Sargent Crabapple Tree
This low, horizontally-spreading dwarf tree has pretty white or pink springtime blooms, which become dark red fruits in fall. Birds and butterflies love this tree’s fragrant flowers and fruit.
Height at maturity: 7 to 9 feet
Varieties to look for: Tina, Firebird, Pink Princess
Redbud Tree
Redbuds burst into bloom in early spring long before the pretty heart-shaped leaves appear. While many types grow more than 10 feet tall, a few varieties remain more petite. Look for types that have a weeping form so they’ll remain compact for small spaces.
Height at maturity: 6 to 8 feet
Varieties to look for: Ruby Falls, Golden Falls, Covey
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are shrubs that grow in almost every region of the country. When nurseries train them into tree form, hydrangeas are especially lovely in the landscape and boast summer-long blooms that pollinators adore. Many types are cold-hardy, too. Plant this stunner in a prominent place in your garden for loads of impact.
Height at maturity: 6 to 8 feet
Varieties to look for: Limelight, Vanilla Strawberry, Pinky Winky
Crape Myrtle
Some crape myrtle (also spelled crepe myrtle) trees are taller than 10 feet, but dwarf varieties max out around half that size. Their striking white, pink, or purple flowers don’t mind the heat so it’s a great choice in hot, humid regions.
Height at maturity: 5 to 8 feet
Varieties to look for: Monow, Monum, Whit III
Seven Son Flower
This unusual tree has it all: Striking, leathery leaves; fragrant late summer flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators; and attractive peeling bark for winter interest. It’s not as well-known as it should be, but once you see it in person, you’ll fall in love with its unique charms. It's a smidge over 10 feet at maturity, but it's worth it!
Height at maturity: 10 to 12 feet
Varieties to look for: Temple of Bloom
Variegated Dappled Willow
This type of willow actually is a shrub trained into tree form. Its elegant, arching branches sway in the wind, and its striking foliage emerges pink and matures to various shades of pink, white, and green. You’ll need to keep the top trimmed to maintain its shape.
Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet
Varieties to look for: Hakuro Nishiki
Hinoki Cypress
This compact, slow-growing evergreen provides year-round color and interest. Its unique form and feathery texture makes it an excellent landscape accent. A dwarf variety maxes out at 5 feet tall.
Height at maturity: 5 to 12 feet
Varieties to look for: Torulosa, Nana Gracilis
Bottlebrush Tree
This unique shrub, which can be trained into tree form, is eye-catching due to its neon pink and red brushy-looking flowers. The finely textured evergreen foliage is a nice contrast to the bright flowers. It loves the heat!
Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet
Varieties to look for: Neon Pink, Scarlet Torch
Weeping Birch
This lovely tree has graceful, cascading branches that droop toward the ground. It's a great accent tree in large beds, but make sure you don't crowd it so you can see its arching form.
Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet
Varieties to look for: Summer Cascade, Youngii
Chaste Tree
This stylish tree has blue flower spikes all summer long. It’s a fantastic, lesser-known accent plant for small gardens. Butterflies love it!
Height at maturity: 10 to 12 feet
Varieties to look for: Shoal Creek
Camellia
Camellias are lovely little trees with lush blooms that appear n later winter to mid-spring. The dark green foliage is evergreen.
Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet
Varieties to try: Glen 40, Kanjiro Pink, Rosehill Red
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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