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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.

A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Liquidambar 'Gumball' is a small tree grown for its form and fantastic autumn colours. This popular ornamental tree features leaves that emerge lime green in spring, darken during summer, then change to a myriad of orange-red and dark purple colours in autumn before falling.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

5 from 1 customers

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for feature planting in small spaces. Its rich colour holds well through spring and summer before deepening further in autumn.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$349.95
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

From$349.95
A small Cornus kousa 'China Girl' specimen tree with masses of white flowers against green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is a small and popular, deciduous tree with large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed...

From$340.69
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
prunus-autumnalis-rosea-6
Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea'

Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its delicate pink blossoms and unusually long flowering season. Small...

From$399.95
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
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
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
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
azara-microphylla-2
Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

From$387.55
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
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
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale...

From$515.35
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
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
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$229.95
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Cornus, and Kunzea, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search small trees to plant near house

Why Choose Small Trees to Plant Near Your House?

Planting small trees near your house offers unique benefits. They add year-round structure, shade sunny windows, offer seasonal blooms, and support curb appeal. Importantly, compact species are less likely to interfere with foundations, plumbing, or power lines. Whether you want to create a welcome entrance or a tranquil retreat, the right small tree helps make the most of limited space.

Top Picks: Best Small Trees for Planting Close to Homes

We’ve gathered some top-performing small trees and elegant shrubs perfect for Kiwi gardens, each ideal for planting near your house.

1. Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

With its deep purple-pink blooms and tidy growth habit, Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree) is a stunning choice for small gardens. This deciduous magnolia remains neat and upright, making it one of the best small trees to plant near house entrances, patios, or along walkways.

2. Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Loved for its graceful structure and dramatic goblet-shaped flowers, Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra) stays compact yet provides year-round interest. Its moderate size and low maintenance make it an excellent option for homes with limited planting room.

3. Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

If you prefer evergreen structure, Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum) is a versatile choice. This hardy, rounded shrub offers dense foliage and is easily shaped to your desired size, acting as a small tree or shrub depending on your landscape goals.

4. Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

For striking tropical texture, consider Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree). It’s often grown indoors but, in sheltered spots, can thrive outdoors in warm regions. Schefflera’s compact profile and lush leaves add architectural style near entryways or sheltered patios.

Tips for Planting Small Trees Near Your House

More Ideas for Lush Planting

For an extra pop of colour and foliage interest in your entryway gardens, consider pairing small trees with striking plants like Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant).

Create a welcoming, beautiful home environment by selecting small trees specifically suited for planting near the house. Browse our expert-curated collection for New Zealand gardens and start your next outdoor transformation with confidence.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
We love Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu), Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass), and Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant).
–The Plant Company

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