What are some good trees to plant in a small back yard?

Question

My husband is wanting something that grows at least 10 feet tall, but doesn't have a wide spread.

Answer 1

Some small ones, pretty too: Althea or rose of sharon; crepe myrtle ( large variety, not dwarf); columnar-type evergreens. Some bamboos that are nonspreading (make sure they are not) also make great back yard foliage, grow upright and don't take a lot of room. Some even have black or reddish stems.
Crepe myrtle if your winter temps stay above zero will grow fairly tall, and make really beautiful trunks if trimmed into tree form. I have one that is about 20 feet tall, with 10-12 arm-size trunks. Since crepe myrtle blooms on new growth, you can easily keep it trimmed to your own needs.
Another plant that works well and is easy is Nandina, my larger ones are about 6-8 feet tall so far, don't get much bigger but are good in small yards.

Answer 2

If you live somewhere cool try Maples (Japanese)- Acer palmatum. In other areas Acer buergerianum, birch trees (Betula) lots of different varieties, Ornamental pears Pyrus calleryana (Chanticleer), (but they come in all heights and widths), Crepe myrtles (if not to cold in your area). My favourite domestic garden tree is chinese pistachio (Pistacia chinensis), beautiful autumn colours even in area's that are not so cold in winter. They also have pink berries but I can't keep them on my tree as the native parrots come and eat them before they become pink, I'm in Australia). You should have no trouble picking something in the size range you want, but try not to pick too small a tree as you garden can become 'stunted' looking without the height variation, and it can be the same as planting a large shrub. What you need is a small tree without vigorous roots, this is easy with careful section. Good luck.

Answer 3

well here are some great vines:


for blooms all season you may nees to mix your vinage.
I live in SC and it get pretty friggin hot and humid here also
I like to use in many of my landscaping projects as a privacy helper
a fairly evergreen (changes color with season)
evergreen clematis or confederate (star) jasmine

you can mix annual vines (which may cause you to have undue clean up problems later)

or add something like an old tyme climbing rose

this mix will have fragrance as well as year long coverage.
the main pruning I have done to these plantings together is to run a hedge trimmer to make an edge, then rake and discard plant litter.

Answer 4

Arbor Day Foundation has a Tree Wizard. Answer the questions and it will recommend trees for you.
http://www.arborday.org/shopping/trees/treewizard/intro.cfm

Answer 5

A weeping willow is good because the roots will undermine the house and bring it down. Great for creating space.

If you have the light and warmth then why not try an apple or lemon tree. You can get one of the smaller species.

Answer 6

Look for a columnar English Oak. Fast growth, good in most soils.

Answer 7

Dogwood,Japanese maples,Crept myrtles