Small Tree To Plant Near House

Looking for a small tree to plant near house? You’re making a smart choice for your tight space. A compact tree can give you all the beauty and benefits of a larger specimen, without the worry of roots damaging your foundation or branches crowding your windows. The key is picking the right one for your light, soil, and style.

This list focuses on trees that stay under 25-30 feet at maturity, have non-invasive roots, and offer multi-season appeal. Always check the mature width (spread) to ensure it fits your available space with room to grow.

Top Picks for Tight Spaces

Here are some of the best small trees known for their good behavior near foundations and confined areas.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): With stunning lace-leaf or upright forms, these offer breathtaking spring and fall color. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): A native classic with spring blooms, summer berries, and fall color. The horizontal branching adds great structure.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia): Ideal for full sun, providing summer flowers, exfoliating bark, and great fall foliage. Choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety.
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata): One of the earliest spring bloomers with fragrant white or pink flowers. It’s slow-growing and perfect as a focal point.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier): A true four-season tree with early flowers, edible berries, fantastic fall color, and smooth gray bark.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Another native favorite, its purple-pink spring flowers emerge directly on the branches. The ‘Forest Pansy’ variety has gorgeous purple heart-shaped leaves.

How to Choose the Right Spot

Picking the perfect location is just as important as picking the tree. A little planning prevents big problems later.

Check the mature spread. Plant at least half that distance from your house’s foundation. For a tree that grows 15 feet wide, plant it 7-8 feet away.
Look up! Avoid planting directly under power lines or eavestroughs. Consider the shade the mature tree will cast on your garden or windows.
Think about roots. While these trees are generally safe, good drainage is essential. Avoid areas where water pools or where irrigation lines run.
Call before you dig. Always contact your local utility locating service (like 811 in the US) to mark underground lines. This is a free and critical step.

Assessing Sunlight and Soil

Most flowering trees need at least 6 hours of direct sun. Observe your potential spot throughout the day. Is it full sun, partial shade, or full shade? Match the tree to those conditions. A simple soil test from your local extension office can tell you your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, helping you choose a tree that will thrive.

Planting Your Tree Correctly

Proper planting gives your tree the best start. Here’s how to do it right.

Dig a hole that is 2-3 times wider than the tree’s root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. The flare where the roots meet the trunk should be slightly above ground level.
Gently remove the tree from its container. Loosen any circling roots with your fingers or a hand tool. If it’s balled-and-burlapped, remove the wire basket and any synthetic burlap after placing it in the hole.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it’s straight. Backfill with the native soil you removed, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets.
Water deeply immediately after planting. Create a low soil berm around the edge of the root zone to hold water.
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch like wood chips around the base, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Essential Early Care Tips

The first few years are crucial for establishing a strong, healthy tree.

Watering is key. Water deeply once or twice a week for the first growing season, depending on rainfall. The goal is deep root growth.
Stake only if necessary. If the tree is in a very windy spot, use two flexible ties and remove them after one year. Most small trees don’t need staking.
Hold off on fertilizer. Don’t fertilize at planting time. Wait until the second growing season, and then use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer if needed.
Prune sparingly. Initially, only remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Major shaping can wait until the tree is established.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steering clear of these errors will save you alot of hassle and help your tree live a long life.

Planting too deep. This is the number one cause of tree failure. The root flare must be visible.
Over-mulching (creating “volcano” mulch). Piling mulch against the trunk leads to disease and pest issues.
Overwatering. Soggy soil suffocates roots. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Choosing the wrong tree for the space. That cute sapling can outgrow its spot in a decade if you don’t check its mature size.
Forgetting about wildlife. If you want birds, serviceberry or dogwood are great. If deer are a problem, you may need to protect a young Japanese Maple.

Long-Term Maintenance

A well-sited small tree requires minimal but important care as it matures.

Pruning for Health and Form

Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant. Remove any deadwood, suckers from the base, and branches that are rubbing. For flowering trees, know if they bloom on “old wood” (last year’s growth, like magnolia) or “new wood” (current season’s growth, like crape myrtle), as this affects when you should prune.

Monitoring for Health

Keep an eye out for signs of stress: wilting leaves, early fall color, sparse foliage, or cracked bark. Many problems are caused by environmental stress (too wet/too dry) rather than pests. Correcting watering issues often solves the problem.

FAQ

What are the best small trees to plant close to a house?
The best small trees for planting near a house include Japanese Maple, Flowering Dogwood, Star Magnolia, and Serviceberry. They have compact root systems and manageable size.

How close to my house can I plant a small tree?
A good rule is to plant the tree at least half of its mature canopy width away from your foundation. For a tree that spreads 10 feet, plant it 5 feet away.

What small trees have non-invasive roots?
Most of the trees listed here, like Dogwood, Japanese Maple, and Redbud, are known for having less aggressive root systems that are safer near foundations.

Can I plant a small tree myself?
Yes, planting a small container tree is a very manageable DIY project. Just follow the planting steps above, ensure you have the right tools, and don’t hesitate to ask for help lifting if the root ball is heavy.

What is a good fast growing small tree for a tight space?
While “fast-growing” often means weaker wood, some quicker compact choices include some varieties of Crape Myrtle or Redbud. Remember, slower growth often means a stronger, longer-lived tree.

Choosing a small tree to plant near house is an investment in your home’s future beauty and value. By selecting the right species, planting it carefully, and providing attentive early care, you’ll enjoy it’s shade, flowers, and character for many years to come. Take your time, do your research, and soon you’ll have a perfect partner for your home.