small trees to plant near house
Choosing the right small trees to plant near house foundations and outdoor living areas can transform your property without causing future problems. Well-placed compact trees can provide privacy, soften harsh lines, attract birds, and frame pathways or entryways—all while fitting beautifully into smaller New Zealand gardens. Selecting trees with non-invasive roots, modest canopies, and controlled heights is essential for harmony between house and landscape.
Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)
The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid green, glossy, and comprises of multiple, large leaflets in a fan arrangement. Outdoors it will grow to about 1 m tall and the same wide, though it can be trimmed as necessary. Indoors, the Dwarf Umbrella Tree can be contained to any desired size. Schefflera arboricola is commonly grown as a potted plant, added to tropical gardens, included in a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, or used for bonsai. NB: Schefflera arboricola also has the synonymous name: Heptapleurum arboricola.
Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)
Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the naked stems, before the foliage emerges. It typically grows to 2.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Magnolia Amethyst Flame is commonly grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, included in cottage gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or used line or border an entrance.
