Placing a tree there is the dream of most garden owners. It is often the case that those who have a small tree abandon the idea by making a mistake because they can occupy even a small space, both in terms of the ground and in terms of the part of the canopy. Of course, what is important to remember is that you always prune your tree correctly in order to maintain its balance and health even in an urban context. There are different types, therefore, even of small size that will not occupy the entire area. You can choose, for example, among those with columns, evergreens, deciduous or with expanded foliage. In addition, to avoid problems with the neighborhood and decorum, it is advisable to choose the species with particular attention. Sometimes, the functions of a tree can be multiple, such as:
- to provide an architectural structure during the year giving a feeling of completeness to the garden;
- to consolidate the soil in complicated situations (in the presence of steep slopes and slopes) by stabilizing the soil with the roots;
- to give a good appearance to the environment with blooms and flowers of different colors;
- to attract the gaze of visitors upwards so as to increase the virtual size of the available space;
- to attract wildlife because, as is well known, birds use them to place their nests there, sheltering themselves from the rain, wind and sun.
The different species of garden trees
A small garden can look as spectacular and impressive as a very large one. Selecting the right plants means choosing those that are best suited to the climate, the type of terrain, the geographical context and the lighting that the space enjoys. For example, in the part immediately adjacent to the house, it is advisable to opt for an evergreen: this to prevent the entry of leaves into the house during the autumn season. Still, if you love cooking, a good idea could be represented by a fruit tree, such as a peach or a pear tree, in order to prepare delicious jams. Below is a selection of the most beautiful species to help you make the best choice for your garden.
Hamamelis
Hamamelis belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family and is also referred to as the witch’s core. The name indicates a species that does not reach a high height, characterized by copper or yellow flowers with ruffled and ribbon-like petals and deciduous leaves. One of the most interesting characteristics of this plant is its ability to present both the flowers of the current year and the fruits of the previous vegetative cycle in a contemporary manner. Specifically, it happens that the latter takes a long time to mature so as to remain on the plant until the next flowering.
Prunus glandulosa
The Prunus is a genus which in itself contains about ten species of trees and shrubs, evergreen or deciduous, belonging to the family Rosaceae. In particular, Prunus glandulosa indicates a small tree with a maximum height of 2 metres.
It almost always takes on a shrubby appearance, very similar to an almond tree (in fact, it is generally defined as an ornamental almond tree). The tree has a series of dense, robust branches covered with small, dark green, deciduous leaves. A particularity worthy of note is the one concerning the flowering: it, specifically, is not only early, but also prolonged. The small flowers, white or pink, create a pleasant spectacle to see. The fruits, then, recall the shape of small cherries and are sour, but edible. If you opt for this species, it is good to remember to place it so that you can enjoy a few hours of exposure to sunlight so as to make it grow more lush and healthy.
Lagerstroemia indicates
Lagerstroemia indica is nothing more than a shrub or a small tree with deciduous leaves, which has the capacity to reach about 10 meters high. The stem is thin with a smooth, clear bark and tends to leaf through as the years go by. It is also characterized by a roundish foliage, not very dense and enlarged, rich in oval and elongated leaves. In summer, Lagerstroemia indica produces lilac, pink or white panicles of flowers. This plant is an excellent garden tree, which allows you to have bright colors in your garden and a fresh breeze of peace and tranquility. To fully enjoy the properties of this garden tree, it is recommended to take care and maintenance of the soil and the plant.
Olive
Belonging to the family of the Oleaceae, Olea europaea, commonly known as olive or olive, indicates a fruit plant probably born in the Middle East. Olives, or rather its fruits, are used for the extraction of oil, which is directly used in the daily diet of all. The plant has the peculiarity of producing its first fruits around the third or fourth year of vegetation reaching, then, maturity after 50 years. It is not, contrary to what I may believe, a long period since the plant in question is very long-lived (being able to live even a thousand years). The stem is distinguished by being contour and cylindrical defining the basic lines of an authentic masterpiece of nature from the bark of gray color and heavy wood and hard. Finally, the branches form nodular structures, called ovoli, from which tender branches come to life every year. An evergreen plant, the olive tree goes through a period of vegetative rest in the coldest months.
Maple
Belonging to the Aceraceae family, the maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree. In practice, it is a sort of ornamental shrub with deciduous leaves, which tends to lose all its leaves during the winter. In autumn, however, the leaves take on wonderful warm and iridescent shades ranging from bright red to golden yellow to create a striking chromatic effect. They are then lobed and palmate. From the shrub streaked with beautiful veins, the plant produces flowers from the color green, red and orange. Maples are, in consideration of these characteristics, perfect to be placed in green spaces and small gardens.
Peach
Peach trees are part of the family Rosaceae and the genus Prunus. Scientifically known as Prunus persica, some of them produce peaches characterized by a skin with a slight down, which however tends to disappear after ripening of the fruit, others instead, known as Persica laevis DC, have peaches with smooth skin: these are the nectarines or nectarines. From the deciduous leaves, the trees belonging to this genus enter a period of vegetative rest in the winter. In addition, they can reach a maximum height of about 8 metres. Finally, the trunk is covered by a reddish grey bark, which takes on darker shades over time.
Magnolia
The Magnolias represent trees characterized by a showy summer flowering. An evergreen plant, it is one of the most beloved flowering trees since it gives an unforgettable spectacle thanks to the delicate petals on the branches that, long before the leaves, indicate the arrival of the hot season. Being available in different sizes and bearing, the Magnolias are suitable to be placed in small gardens as well as in large parks. In fact, there are more than 125 species which usually require a soft, deep, fresh and not calcareous soil.
Acacia dealbata
The Acacia dealbata identifies the much more famous mimosa. Symbol of Women’s Day, it is an evergreen plant with irregular to globular foliage and grey branches covered with toothed, bipinnate leaves. The flowers, which are very abundant, bloom from January to March and are characterized by an intense yellow color and a very pleasant scent. It is a species that can reach a maximum height of 25 meters and is particularly easy to grow in good sunlight and irrigation in periods of drought.