Trees are critical backbones in a landscape and likely the biggest plant investment you’ll ever make because they generally have large price tags. Also, trees don’t transplant well once they’re established, so it’s important to pick the right-size tree for your intended planting location. Small trees range in size from only a few feet tall and wide to 25 feet tall and wide—which is still considered small when you think how many trees top out at well over 40 feet. The following video, shot in the gardens of Fine Gardening’s editors, highlights a diverse selection of specimens that meet this criteria with a plethora of other excellent traits, in addition to being small in size.

Any one of these trees has the potential to be a stunning focal point in your landscape. And because they have a smaller footprint than, say, a stately oak or towering hemlock, you’ll have some space left for other shrubs and perennials.

Trees featured in this video

‘Perry’s Gold’ Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Perry’s Gold’)

‘Evening Light’ Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus ‘Evening Light’)

‘Montrose Spire’ white spruce (Picea glauca ‘Montrose Spire’)—North American native

‘Milk and Honey’ Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia ‘Milk and Honey’)

‘Mini Twists’ Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus ‘Mini Twists’)—North American native

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa)

Learn more

Terrific Small Trees for Yards of Any Size

Small Trees That Like Shade

Growing Dwarf Citrus Tress