Small Blooming Trees

When selecting a small blooming tree, consider the conditions your landscape has to offer. To perform at their best, blooming trees need the proper soil type, amount of sunlight and degree of moisture. Homeowners also need to choose a tree that fits their maintenance needs.

Benefits

• Small trees provide seasonal interest through blossoms, foliage and fruit production. They can be used to screen out less attractive landscape features and to draw the eye to particular areas of the yard.

Types

• Serviceberry trees produce fruit that attracts birds. Cornelian cherry trees have peeling bark and edible fruit. Witch hazel offers color for the winter landscape. Red maples create fall foliage, and white fringetrees supply bountiful flowers.

Considerations

• Franklin trees tolerate acidic soil. Southern magnolias stand up to heat and drought, while sweetbay magnolias tolerate wet conditions. Flowering dogwood and serviceberry trees handle full sun or shade. Japanese snowbells and Franklin trees lack pest issues.

Effects

• Small blooming trees help to soften the transition between home and yard or a mature tree line and lawn areas or flower beds.

Warning

• While smaller trees often require less maintenance and care than larger trees, varieties that drop fruit may need frequent cleanup. Such trees may be placed in a location where the fruit can be left for animals to consume or the fallen fruit can decay naturally.