Narrow trees for small spaces

Native trees with small crowns

Shape can be one of the most important attributes to consider when choosing a tree. If your garden is small, you probably don't have room for a tree with a wide crown.

For the smallest of spaces, you'll need a tree that is narrow or even columnar in shape. Be aware when choosing such a tree that it won't make much shade! If shade is a consideration and space is limited, perhaps a row of narrow-crowned trees will fit into your landscape.

Here are some native trees with very small crowns (usually less than 20 feet) to consider. All links lead to the appropriate page in the USDA Plants database.

Evergreen:

• Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
• Black spruce (Picea mariana)

Deciduous:

• Mountain maple (Acer spicatum)
• White fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
• Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
• American smokewood (Cotinus obovatus)
• Eastern wahoo (Euonymous atropurpureus)
• Franklinia (Franklinia alatamaha)
• Common hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)
• Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)
• Bebb willow (Salix bebbiana)
• Pussy willow (Salix discolor)
• Northern mountainash (Sorbus decora)
• Nannyberry viburnum (Viburnum lentago)
• Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
• Rusty blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum)

Related posts:
Five Tall, Narrow Trees
Ten Tall-Growing Trees
Five Tall, Narrow, Deciduous Trees