If you have a small garden, patio, or a tight spot that needs some year-round structure, you know the challenge of finding the right plant. The perfect solution often lies in narrow evergreen trees – perfect for small spaces. These slender beauties provide privacy, color, and vertical interest without taking over your entire yard. They’re the unsung heros of urban gardens, tight side yards, and cozy courtyards.
This guide will help you choose, plant, and care for these space-saving trees. We’ll look at some of the best varieties and give you practical tips to ensure they thrive. You’ll see how a well-chosen tree can make your small space feel larger and more complete.
Narrow Evergreen Trees – Perfect for Small Spaces
What makes a tree “narrow”? We’re typically talking about columnar, fastigiate, or pyramidal shapes that grow tall but stay lean. Many grow only 2 to 6 feet wide, even at maturity. This makes them ideal for framing entrances, lining driveways, or creating a living screen without the bulk.
Top Picks for Slender Evergreen Trees
Here are some reliable and beautiful choices, each with its own character. Consider your climate, sun exposure, and the look you want.
- Skyrocket Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’): This is a classic. It’s incredibly narrow, with blue-green foliage that stays about 2 feet wide. It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and provides excellent vertical accent.
- Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): The mediterranean icon. It offers that timeless, dark green columnar shape. Best for warmer climates (Zones 7-11) with full sun.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’): A superstar for hedges. It maintains a bright emerald green color all winter and forms a neat, dense pyramid about 3-4 feet wide.
- Blue Arrow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’): Similar to Skyrocket but with even tighter, more rigid branching and a stunning silvery-blue color. It’s a fantastic choice for a modern look.
- Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’): While more conical than columnar, it’s very slow-growing and stays compact. Its soft, bright green needles make it a charming focal point in containers or beds.
- Taylor Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’): A great alternative to Arborvitae in hot, dry areas. It has a tall, slender form with silvery-green foliage and excellent disease resistance.
How to Plant Your Narrow Evergreen Tree
Proper planting gives your tree the best start. Follow these steps for success.
- Choose the Right Spot: Check the tree’s mature height and width. Ensure it has enough clearance from buildings, fences, and power lines. Almost all need full sun (6+ hours daily).
- Dig the Hole: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- Prep and Place: Gently remove the container. Loosen any circling roots on the outside of the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, making sure it’s straight.
- Backfill and Water: Backfill with the native soil you removed. As you fill, water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Avoid packing the soil down to hard with your feet.
- Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (like wood chips) around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
A Note on Soil and Spacing
Most evergreens prefer well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend the backfill with some compost to improve drainage. For spacing a hedge, place trees about 75% of their mature width apart. For example, place 3-foot-wide trees about 2 to 2.5 feet apart.
Essential Care and Maintenance
These trees are generally low-maintenance, but a little attention goes a long way.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly for the first two years. The goal is to establish deep roots. After that, they are often quite drought-tolerant, but will benefit from water during extended dry periods.
- Fertilizing: In early spring, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens. It’s not always nessessary if your soil is decent, but it can boost growth.
- Pruning: The beauty of many narrow varieties is they need little pruning. You can lightly trim in late winter or early spring to maintain shape or remove any stray branches. Never cut back into old wood that has no needles.
- Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for bagworms on junipers and arborvitae, or spider mites during hot, dry spells. Treat any issues promptly with horticultural oil or an appropriate insecticidal soap.
Using Them in Your Garden Design
Think beyond just sticking one in the ground. Here are some ideas:
- Living Fence: Plant a row to create a soft, green privacy screen that’s more attractive than a wooden fence.
- Architectural Accent: Use a single specimen like a Blue Arrow Juniper as a living sculpture to anchor a corner or frame a garden view.
- Flanking Pair: Place two identical trees on either side of a front door or gate to create a sense of entry and symmetry.
- Container Growing: Many dwarf varieties, like the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, thrive in large pots for years. This is perfect for patios, balconies, and small courtyards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls to keep your trees healthy.
- Planting Too Close: It’s tempting to overplant for instant effect, but crowding causes competition for light and air, leading to disease and poor growth. Always respect the mature width.
- Overwatering: Soggy soil is a killer for most evergreens. Ensure your site has good drainage. If you’re unsure, do a percolation test before you plant.
- Ignoring Sun Needs: Planting a sun-loving juniper in shade will result in sparse, unhealthy growth and increased susceptibility to pests.
- Topping the Tree: Never chop off the top leader to control height. This ruins the natural shape and can lead to a weak, ugly tree.
FAQ About Narrow Evergreen Trees
How fast do these trees grow?
Growth rates vary. Skyrocket Juniper grows about 1-2 feet per year, while a Dwarf Alberta Spruce grows only 2-4 inches per year. Check the plant tag for specifics when you buy.
Can I grow a narrow evergreen tree in a pot?
Yes! Choose a dwarf or very slow-growing variety. Use a large, sturdy container with excellent drainage and a quality potting mix. Remember, potted trees need more frequent watering and may need winter protection in cold climates.
What’s the best narrow tree for cold climates?
Emerald Green Arborvitae, many junipers (like Skyrocket), and certain columnar spruce varieties (like Picea abies ‘Cupressina’) are very cold hardy, down to Zone 3 or 4.
Do they need to be staked after planting?
Usually not. Staking can prevent the trunk from developing natural strength. Only stake if the tree is top-heavy or you’re in a very windy site, and remove the stakes after one year.
Why is my newly planted evergreen turning brown?
This could be transplant shock, winter burn from dry winds, or improper watering. Ensure it’s getting enough water at the roots and, if planted in late fall, consider using an anti-desiccant spray for its first winter.
Choosing narrow evergreen trees for small spaces is a smart way to add permanence and beauty to your garden. With the right selection and care, these slender trees will provide structure and interest through every season, making your limited space feel lush and complete for many years to come. Take your time to pick the right one for your conditions, plant it well, and enjoy watching it grow.