Good Things Come in Small Packages: A Guide to Petite Trees

Almost any yard can handle a small tree. If you're worried that your limited space will also reduce your options, fret not - each tree in this collection may be small but the array is enormous.

Excerpted from Garden Design
Filed under: Trees, Gardening

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Japanese Maples

Japanese maples make lovely ornamentals, especially in small yards. They grow to between 15 and 20 feet tall and wide, and thrive in full or partial sun, and well-drained soil.

As shown here, the 'Osakazuki' Japanese maple's large leaves are flocked by dainty, red inedible fruits in summer. The 'Osakazuki' makes a good container tree but special care must be taken to protect it from drying out, or being exposed to cold winds.

For color year-round, the 'Sango-kaku' Japanese maple is a perfect choice. In winter, new shoots start out coral-pink, then deepen to orange, green and yellow, before finally dropping in fall.

For a grander look, pick the 'Bloodgood' Japanese maple, which sports dark reddish-purple leaves and small purple flowers.