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deciduous trees for small gardens

If your outdoor space is limited, finding the right trees to add structure, shade, and seasonal interest can feel like a challenge. Fortunately, there are many beautiful deciduous trees for small gardens that deliver all the benefits of trees without overtaking your precious space. These compact, slow-growing varieties add colour, texture, and wildlife value, and allow you to enjoy dappled shade in summer with warming sun in winter as their leaves fall away.

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Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

5 from 2 customers

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage through spring and summer which turns impressive shades of red as autumn progresses. It grows with an upright and rounded habit to eventually reach 10 m tall and 5 m wide. Acer Brandywine makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for avenues, parks, and large gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum)

Acer platanoides Globosum is a deciduous tree grown for its lush foliage and stunning form. It produces a symmetrical and rounded head of mid-green foliage on a solitary trunk which is formed without trimming. As autumn progresses the leaves develop colourful yellow tones before falling. It typically grows to 4 m tall and 3 m wide. Acer Globosum makes for a fantastic specimen and is well suited to growing around outdoor living areas, adding to a mixed planting, using in an avenue planting, or maintaining in a courtyard garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Garden uses: Avenues, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill)

Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

From$515.35
nyssa-sinensis-6
Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo)

Commonly known as Chinese Tupelo, this is a handsome, deciduous tree grown for its fantastic form and striking autumn colours. Leaves emerge a fresh...

From$404.59
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Magnolia Vulcan

Magnolia soulangeana Vulcan is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, rose-red flowers through late winter and...

From$270.40
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
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Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$192.51
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

From$387.55
quercus-ellipsoidalis-3
Quercus ellipsoidalis

Quercus ellipsoidalis, commonly known as the Northern Pin Oak tree, is a deciduous tree that features colourful autumn foliage. The foliage emerges...

From$270.40
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
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Fraxinus Green Glow

Fraxinus Green Glow is a variety of Ash grown for its rich and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree produces dense and lush, bright green foliage...

From$511.09
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2
Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

From$387.55
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Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

From$387.55
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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
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Fig Mrs Williams

Fig Mrs Williams produces fruit with a purple-brown skin and amber-red flesh. The fruit are of large size and produced early season. It grows as a...

From$28.91
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
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Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$299.95
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Ginkgo biloba Pendula

Ginkgo biloba Pendula is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves...

From$387.55
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Almond All in One

'All-In-One' Almond Tree is a highly popular self fertile almond variety valued for its attractive spring blossoms and reliable crops of sweet edible...

From$404.59
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Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

From$399.95
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
apricot-trevatt-4
Apricot Trevatt

Apricot 'Trevatt' is a popular apricot tree valued for its delicious sweet fruit and attractive spring blossom display. This deciduous fruit tree...

From$404.59
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Apple Wandin Glory (Wandin Glory Apple)

The Wandin Glory apple tree is an interesting variety of apple that bears medium sized fruit in autumn off weeping branches. The fruit are red-green...

From$425.89
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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Carpinus, and Magnolia, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, Magnolia Trees, and Maple Tree.

Search deciduous trees

Choosing Deciduous Trees for Small Gardens

Selecting deciduous trees for small gardens means considering height, spread, and root systems. Opting for an upright or rounded form, rather than wide-spreading trees, is key to making the most of a smaller plot. Equally, look for trees renowned for manageable, non-invasive roots which won’t disrupt paving or neighbouring plants.

Deciduous trees bring a wealth of advantages: cool shade in summer, autumn foliage displays, spring flowers, and often beautiful bark or form in winter. Their canopy allows precious sunlight to filter through in winter months, supporting underplanting of bulbs or shade-loving plants below.

Top Tree Choices for Small Gardens

Styrax japonica

Styrax japonica, also known as the Japanese Snowbell tree, is a standout with its graceful, horizontal branches and clusters of delicate, bell-shaped white flowers in late spring. Growing to a modest height, its soft green canopy and elegant looks make it a superb feature in compact gardens.

Koelreuteria paniculata

Commonly called the Golden Rain Tree, Koelreuteria paniculata offers multi-season interest. This small, rounded tree produces clouds of yellow flowers in summer, followed by lantern-shaped seed pods. Its manageable size and open habit won’t overpower your space.

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera

Appreciated for its neat, rounded canopy and compact shape, Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera is ideally suited to urban gardens and tight spaces. It creates a formal and architectural look while providing light, dappled shade throughout summer.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

For an upright statement, Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree) brings unique tulip-shaped leaves and a tidy, columnar growth habit. It adds height and structure without encroaching widely, making it perfect for slender spaces.

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Flowering trees can be a highlight of any garden, and Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree) bursts into showy, strawberry-red blooms in spring. Its tidy form and moderate size bring year-round interest without overwhelming the border.

Caring for Deciduous Trees in Small Spaces

While deciduous trees for small gardens are generally undemanding, regular watering during establishment, a mulch layer to conserve moisture, and seasonal pruning will keep them healthy and in scale. Plant trees away from foundations and allow for their mature height and spread to prevent future issues.

Enhance your smaller garden with deciduous trees that combine beauty, practicality, and a changing seasonal backdrop—proof that good things truly do come in small packages.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

The spotlight often lands on Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Avocado 'Hass', but Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood), Werauhia sanguinolenta, and Thuja plicata deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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