Choosing trees for small gardens can be a difficult and confusing decision. When you begin to look you are plunged into a rich and diverse part of nature, the choices can seem endless.
At Beardsworths we are happy to help you pick a tree that is suitable in size and will thrive in the soil conditions of your garden.
Our sales manager, Rob Kellet (A bit of a tree geek) has picked some of his favourite trees for small gardens.
Sorbus aucuparia ‘Joseph Rock’
A very pretty tree and one of the best for year round interest and autumn colour. Large clusters of white spring blossom are borne profusely in the spring. The small narrow leaflets turn from light green to a fantastic mix of red, purple and orange during the late summer and autumn providing a beautiful contrast to the soft yellow berries.
This tree will grow well in most garden soils but it isn’t suitable for poorly drained, water logged soils.
Malus Golden Hornet
This is a well known garden crab apple. A small tree which produces stunning, white spring blossom followed by bright yellow fruits. The fruits stay on the tree for a very extended period, even the leaves fall first in the autumn.
The tree has a good oval habit and is well suited to any garden. The long flowering period makes the tree a superb choice for pollinating apple trees and you’ll be a friend to the bees too.
Magnolia x soulangiana 
One of the most popular magnolias for good reason, it can considered either a large shrub or if you lift the crown a very small tree. A beautiful sight in April and May when the large, white and purple blushed flowers appear.
This magnolia will grow in most soils, including acidic, heavy clay through to sandy soil over limestone.
Prunus x hillieri Spire
This, in my opinion is the finest of the small flowering cherries and makes a great street tree as well. Prunus x hillieri spire has a tight, upright habit and is covered in pink spring blossom.
The tree’s small size and upright habit make it ideal for small gardens where space is limited. A beautiful tree, very bee and wildlife friendly.
Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet’
One of the “Hawthorn’s”. Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ has one numerous garden awards. In may the rounded crown is smothered with double red flowers making a dramatic impact in the garden.
A great choice for an urban garden, the tree is very tolerant of air pollution and will thrive in most soils.
Other Trees to Consider:
Prunus ‘Snowgoose’, Sorbus cashmiriana, Sorbus x villmorinii, Prunus pissardii ‘Nigra, Malus ‘Red Glow’, Malus ‘Red Sentinel’.