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While new build gardens may have limited space, they are a blank canvas that provide homeowners with the wonderful opportunity to create a garden that truly reflects their personal style. One question we frequently encounter is, “What trees are best for new build gardens?”.
To help you find the ideal tree and preventing overcrowding, we’ve put together some advice on how to select the right tree for your space. We’ve also compiled a list of some of our favourite trees for smaller gardens. In the article below, you’ll find information regarding their expected mature height and spread, as well as any unique or notable characteristics that make them excellent choices!
How to choose a tree?
Understanding your goals for the tree is just as important as considering its mature size. As you plan your planting, it’s beneficial to consider a few key objectives. For instance, are you hoping to enjoy the changing seasons in your garden, establish a natural screen for added privacy, or perhaps create a welcoming habitat for local wildlife?
Reflecting on these aspects beforehand will be incredibly helpful in making the right choice for your space. To assist you with this, we’ve organised the recommendations in this article into three specific categories: Seasonal Interest, Screening, and Wildlife.
Seasonal Interest
If you’re considering a small tree that provides interest throughout the seasons, deciduous varieties are a fantastic option. These trees offer beautiful spring blossoms, lush green leaves during spring and summer, and lovely autumn colours. For those with smaller gardens, we particularly recommend Crab apples, Ornamental cherries, and Ornamental pears. These three varieties are all highly regarded for their attractive blossoms, foliage, and overall structure.
1. Malus ‘Street Parade’ – Exceptional spring blossom and attractive purple/red fruits from late summer through autumn. This tree has a distinct upright habit that matures into an oval shape, and it typically reaches 5-7m in height with a 4-5m spread.
2. Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ – Great spring blossom, autumn colour, and a tidy upright form. Ornamental pear is relatively compact, reaching a mature height of 8-12m and mature spread of 3m.
3. Prunus ‘Snow Goose’ – Striking spring blossom, orange/red autumn foliage and a neat form. ‘Snow Goose’ reaches a mature height of 5-6m and a mature spread of 3-4m.
Privacy
If your aim is to establish some privacy in your garden, evergreen trees are an excellent choice. Our most popular evergreen varieties for this purpose are the Photinia Red Robin, Cherry laurel, and Portuguese laurel. All three are shrubby plants that are grown as trees which means that they have a shallow, fibrous root system. Reaching a mature height of up to 8m, these standard trees can be planted in a row to form a continuous screen, providing uninterrupted privacy. Alternatively, they can be strategically placed as individual trees to obscure a specific view.
1. Photinia Red Robin – Foliage emerges red in spring and gradually hardens to a glossy green. It also has white flowers that appear in April/May. Red Robin reaches a mature height of 4-4.5m and a mature spread of 2.5-3m.
2. Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry laurel) – Large, glossy green leaves, masses of small white flowers in spring, and small red/black cherry-like fruits in autumn. Cherry laurel will get 5-7m tall and up to 3m wide.
3. Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) – Dark green leaves that emerge from purple tinted young stems, clusters of white flowers in spring, and small purple fruits in autumn. Portuguese laurel has a mature height of 6-8m and a mature spread of 2.5-3m.
Wildlife
If you’re interested in adding a small tree to your garden that also benefits local wildlife, we recommend considering trees that are known for their attractive blossoms and berries or fruits. These trees not only provide visual interest throughout the seasons but are also excellent for attracting birds, bees, and other important pollinators to your outdoor space. Some of our top choices for this purpose include Amelanchiers, Crab apples, and Hawthorns.
1. Amelanchier lamarckii – Starry white blossom loved by pollinators, edible berries for birds (and humans), and brilliant orange-red foliage. Reaches a mature height of 5m+ and a mature spread of up to 3m.
2. Malus ‘Rudolph’ – Rich pink blossom that attracts bees, small crab apples for birds and foliage that changes colour throughout the seasons. This tree reaches a mature height of 5-7m and a mature spread of 4m.
3. Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ – Masses of pink/red flowers in spring attract pollinators. This Hawthorn also bears sharp thorns on its branches which offer protection to nesting birds and other wildlife. ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ reaches a mature height of 4-8m and a mature spread of 3m.
We hope this guide helped you to discover what trees are best for new build gardens. If you have any more questions please contact us as we are always happy to help! Remember if you visit our nursery in Essex you can even pick you own trees!
Frequently Asked Questions
Bare root trees can be planted from November to March. Container grown trees can be planted all year round. Watch our video guide on how to do so.
As a guide, we recommend giving each tree 5 litres of water every other day during the growing season. The water should be directed at the base of the trunk.
5 Litres is a good starting point to make sure that the ground stays moist, if the soil starts to become saturated or dry adjust the amount as required.
We can offer our planting service if you are local to the nursery. Planting prices are dependent on the size of the pot. Please contact us if you would like a quote.
