Best Dwarf Trees Best Trees Under 10 Feet for Small Yard Spaces

Japanese Maple

The elegant form and delicate foliage of this type of maple make it an outstanding focal point in your garden. With hundreds of varieties that include leaves in shades that range from green to orange to deepest red, you’ll find one to love! Some take full sun, while many require some shade, so read the plant description thoroughly before buying.

Height at maturity: 6 to 10 feet

Varieties to look for: Tamukemaya, Rhode Island Red, Shaina

Sargent Crabapple Tree

This low, horizontally-spreading dwarf tree has pretty white or pink springtime blooms, which become dark red fruits in fall. Birds and butterflies love this tree’s fragrant flowers and fruit.

Height at maturity: 7 to 9 feet

Varieties to look for: Tina, Firebird, Pink Princess

Redbud Tree

Redbuds burst into bloom in early spring long before the pretty heart-shaped leaves appear. While many types grow more than 10 feet tall, a few varieties remain more petite. Look for types that have a weeping form so they’ll remain compact for small spaces.

Height at maturity: 6 to 8 feet

Varieties to look for: Ruby Falls, Golden Falls, Covey

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Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are shrubs that grow in almost every region of the country. When nurseries train them into tree form, hydrangeas are especially lovely in the landscape and boast summer-long blooms that pollinators adore. Many types are cold-hardy, too. Plant this stunner in a prominent place in your garden for loads of impact.

Height at maturity: 6 to 8 feet

Varieties to look for: Limelight, Vanilla Strawberry, Pinky Winky

Crape Myrtle

Some crape myrtle (also spelled crepe myrtle) trees are taller than 10 feet, but dwarf varieties max out around half that size. Their striking white, pink, or purple flowers don’t mind the heat so it’s a great choice in hot, humid regions.

Height at maturity: 5 to 8 feet

Varieties to look for: Monow, Monum, Whit III

Seven Son Flower

This unusual tree has it all: Striking, leathery leaves; fragrant late summer flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators; and attractive peeling bark for winter interest. It’s not as well-known as it should be, but once you see it in person, you’ll fall in love with its unique charms. It's a smidge over 10 feet at maturity, but it's worth it!

Height at maturity: 10 to 12 feet

Varieties to look for: Temple of Bloom

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Variegated Dappled Willow

This type of willow actually is a shrub trained into tree form. Its elegant, arching branches sway in the wind, and its striking foliage emerges pink and matures to various shades of pink, white, and green. You’ll need to keep the top trimmed to maintain its shape.

Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet

Varieties to look for: Hakuro Nishiki

Hinoki Cypress

This compact, slow-growing evergreen provides year-round color and interest. Its unique form and feathery texture makes it an excellent landscape accent. A dwarf variety maxes out at 5 feet tall.

Height at maturity: 5 to 12 feet

Varieties to look for: Torulosa, Nana Gracilis

Bottlebrush Tree

This unique shrub, which can be trained into tree form, is eye-catching due to its neon pink and red brushy-looking flowers. The finely textured evergreen foliage is a nice contrast to the bright flowers. It loves the heat!

Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet

Varieties to look for: Neon Pink, Scarlet Torch

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Weeping Birch

This lovely tree has graceful, cascading branches that droop toward the ground. It's a great accent tree in large beds, but make sure you don't crowd it so you can see its arching form.

Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet

Varieties to look for: Summer Cascade, Youngii

Chaste Tree

This stylish tree has blue flower spikes all summer long. It’s a fantastic, lesser-known accent plant for small gardens. Butterflies love it!

Height at maturity: 10 to 12 feet

Varieties to look for: Shoal Creek

Camellia

Camellias are lovely little trees with lush blooms that appear n later winter to mid-spring. The dark green foliage is evergreen.

Height at maturity: 8 to 10 feet

Varieties to try: Glen 40, Kanjiro Pink, Rosehill Red

Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

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