Best small tree

I am looking for one or two small trees to break up the lawn we have.

It's a typical square lawn surrounded by borders and quite a decent size but thought about adding more interest by planting 2 trees (ideally evergreen) which don't grow too high ie less than 3 or 4 metres.

Thanks a lot

 

That's a small size for a lot of trees so that kind of limits the options but there are some types of myrtle that might be worth considering and I also have a nice looking shrub/small tree called Acca sellowiana that could fit that area and has some nice flowers and in warmer areas can sometimes have fruit as well.

Happy gardening!

 

We need details! Location, soil type, how much sun and when, your priorities and favourite colours...

 

Another thought is how much do you want them to spread out or have space for them to spread out. As some quite short trees can grow quite wide. Thinking of some of the ornamental cherries.

 

Ilex (holly) can be grown as a tree and will withstand pruning to maintain its shape/size - and a variegated one like 'Handsworth New Silver' would be bright. Arbutus unedo is evergreen, good bark. If deciduous OK, then acer griseum is very slow growing, and the bark is gorgeous, and there is a crab apple with very small fruit (can't remember name sorry) that is very slow -though even the crab John Downie could be kept in check. If OP is somewhere mild, a eucryphia would be good...'Nymansay' is evergreen I think.

 

Sorry for the lack of information. Picture attached. We already have one tree in the garden but as all the kids are grown up I want to add some variety and brea up the flat lawn if that makes sense ?

 

+1 for Arbutus unedo, especially 'Rubra' if you can find it. Interesting all year round with evergreen leaves, attractive bark, pink bell flowers and strawberry-like fruits. It, and Eucryphia both prefer a slightly acid soil but Arbutus copes with neutral Ph.
I'm not being nosy, Smallzoo, but it really would help if we knew whereabouts in the UK the garden is. There are some lovely Magnolias but it's no good recommending one of those if your garden suffers late spring frosts!

 

Of course.. I'm in South Cheshire. South facing garden. Rhododendron, lavatera, buddlea, roses, laurels all grow well. We can't think of anything that has not done at least alright.

Cheers

 

Well that's good news! It opens up a world of possibilities As NigelJ said above, you need to decide what form tree you'd like. Single or multiple stem, parasol, weeping or upright shape, evergreen or deciduous?

 

Thanks for the comments so far. I noticed when I went to look for the Arbutus unedo at least 2 of the suppliers didn't plan to deliver until at least August 2021. Does that mean I am unlikely to get a tree to plant in spring ?

 

Perhaps something to do with Covid? Or out-of-stock? At least one UK nursery is running late on orders due to the mild autumn and staff illness. Maybe this link will help? There's a button for listing suppliers. RHS advice & tips on garden & indoor plants | Plant finder & selector / RHS Gardening

 

You will probably find one in any well stocked nursery or garden centre.
You will be able to see exactly what you are buying.

 

I would go with an Amelanchier. We bought the (rainbow pillar) variant, and it grows straight upwards with about a dozen small branches.
Also blooms bright white and the berries are edible for both humans and birds.

Other than that, maybe go with an Almond tree. The flowers are just gorgeous and the have small, straight and hardy variants as well.

 

Plants I would NOT go for:
Rhododendron - they will grow and grow and grow until you have a giant bush
Magnolia - they are pretty but they make SO MUCH DIRT!!

I would always go for something edible. If not for yourself, then at least for out feathered friends and the bees.

 

my choice and slow growing and can be trimmed to keep small is
Abies koreana - Korean Fir