Many of these trees grow well in containers or raised beds.
Certain patio trees can be staked when young to help them grow neat and upright.
Here are 13 of the best small trees to grow around a patio or deck.
The Spruce / Tara Anand
Tip
To find the right tree for your space, first consider its mature size.
For container-grown trees, it’ll be necessary to repot it to give roots more space.
Also, consider a tree’s invasiveness or toxicity, as noted below.
The Spruce / K. Dave
The tree produces small, fragrant flowers on spikes during the summer and fall.
Varieties ‘Silver Spire’ and ‘Alba’ have white blossoms while ‘Latifolia’ and ‘Rosea’ have pink flowers.
This tree can also be pruned into a shrub.
The Spruce / Kerry Michaels
Annual pruning during the late winter is recommended to maintain its shape.
Moreover, the tree is heat-tolerant and resistant to oak root fungus.
Be aware that it’s a messy plant with fruits that drop and stain pavement or lawn furniture.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Kumquats have beautiful dark green leaves and pretty orange flowers that turn into tangy edible fruit.
Potted kumquats make great patio accents with their sweet-smelling blooms and bright orange fruits.
They must be moved indoors for the winter in zones 8 and below.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Moreover, its recommended to repot them every two to three years into a slightly larger container.
Also, fertilize them throughout the growing season.
You’ll need to clean up dropped fruits to prevent them from rotting.
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Just be ready to repot your tree into a larger container every other year or so.
Japanese maples require little pruning.
Ficus sap is toxic to animals.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Also, be sure not to overwater, as this can kill a palm.
Crabapple trees are somewhat drought tolerant once theyre mature but dont let their soil dry out.
Water the tree during a stretch without rain, especially during warmer months.
The Spruce / Loren Probish
They generally require little pruning besides removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Crabapple trees are toxic to animals.
Ornamental Cherry or Plum
The Spruce / Loren Probish
Small, floweringPrunustrees are variously calledcherryor plum trees.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They are suitable for large containers or raised beds.
Some of these trees are susceptible to insect issues and fungal diseases.
Cherry and plum trees are toxic to humans and animals.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Plus, they maintain some shade and privacy year-round.
With frequent pruning, you’re able to keep a pine small if you wish.
Pine trees generally require little care.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Water your tree during prolonged dry spells, and fertilize annually if your soil is poor.
Watch for messy needle and cone drop or drippy sap.
It can be grown in a large container or near a deck or patio.
The Spruce / Almar Creative
The hairs turn pink and then purple as summer progresses.
Lightly prune the tree in the early spring for the best blooming.
It is slightly toxic to humans.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Pear trees typically can tolerate wet soil but it must have good drainage.
Its foliage is dark green and highly aromatic.
The leaves are the same bay leaves that are used in many types of cooking.
The Spruce / Loren Probish
A good choice for containers on decks or patios, it can be pruned into a topiary or hedge.
Planted in the garden, it is drought-tolerant.
But you should water it during prolonged dry spells.
This tree is toxic to animals.
‘Pink Velour’, ‘Seminole’, and ‘White Chocolate’ varieties.
Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can promote leaf growth over blooming.
Wisteria
Besides being gorgeous, wisteria (Wisteriaspp.
)can be trained as a vine, shrub, or small tree.
When it reaches the desired height, prune or pinch the branch tips to force more branching.
Wisteria can also be grown to cover anarbor or pergola.
Chinese wisteria (W. sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda) are most common.
Fertilizer usually isnt necessary unless you have poor soil.
But you’re able to add a layer of compost to promote blooming and healthy growth.
Queen Palm Problems.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Prunus cerasifera.North Carolina State Extension.
Cotinus coggygria.North Carolina State Extension.
Fire Blight of Apple and Pear Trees.Washington State University.
Japanese Wisteria.Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Chinese Wisteria.Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
