The Best Small Trees for Vancouver Gardens

In addition to being known as a lush, green city, Vancouver is also (in)famous for its limited housing market. More of us are living in small spaces, and in keeping, our gardens are getting smaller and more urban. Yet, trees—typically thought of as appropriate only to those with yards—are essential to creating a thriving and beautiful outdoor space. So how can we maintain our city’s green character (and build interesting gardens) with compact outdoor spaces? In this post, we’ll explore some of the best small trees for Vancouver gardens: trees that not only flourish in our climate but also bring joy and character to our gardens.

Why Plant a Tree in a Small Garden?

Trees are essential to urban environments, even in the smallest gardens. They provide shade, improve air quality, and offer habitat for birds, pollinators, and local wildlife. In small urban gardens, small trees are particularly valuable. Their compact size allows you to maximize garden space without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Small trees can add structure, height, and visual interest to your garden, creating a focal point or enhancing the overall landscape design. Additionally, some require less maintenance than larger trees, making them easier to care for and less likely to outgrow their space.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Small Tree

Choosing the best small trees for your Vancouver garden involves more than just picking based on aesthetics. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Climate compatibility: Vancouver’s climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and dry summers. It’s important to select trees that can thrive in these conditions, ensuring they remain healthy for years.
• Sun exposure: Different areas of your garden will receive varying amounts of sunlight. Some trees prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Matching the tree to the right spot in your garden is crucial for its growth and well-being.
• Growth rate and mature size: Understanding how large a tree will grow and how quickly it will reach its mature size is vital. This helps in planning for the future, avoiding overcrowding, and ensuring the tree remains suitable for your garden’s space constraints. Some small trees are also well-suited for container planting, offering even more flexibility.
• Seasonal interest: To keep your garden interesting year-round, choose trees that offer seasonal appeal. Whether it’s vibrant spring blossoms, summer foliage or berries, brilliant autumn colour, or interesting bark in winter, a tree that changes with the seasons can enhance the beauty of your garden throughout the year.

Top Small Ornamental Trees for Vancouver Gardens

1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum, A. japonicum and A. shirasawanum)

Japanese Maples are beloved for many reasons. They’re well behaved. Their foliage is often delicate and lacy—and almost always stunning, with colours that range from deep reds to bright oranges and greens. They require little maintenance, are typically pest and disease free, and are perfect specimens for container growing. Additionally, with most Japanese maples thriving in zones 5-9, these trees are very suited to Vancouver’s mild climate. However, it’s their typically small stature, moderate growth rate, and preference for partial shade makes them one of our top picks for an urban garden.

There are dozens of wonderful varieties to choose from, ranging from diminutive weeping types reaching no taller than 2′ (0.6m) to elegant beauties approaching 25′ (7.6m). The majority of Japanese Maples are in the Acer palmatum group, which has many popular cultivars, including the familiar ‘Bloodgood,’ ‘Sango Kaku,’ and the subgroup A. palmatum var. ‘Dissectum,’ known as laceleaf or cutleaf Japanese maples. ‘Jerre Schwartz’ is one of the smallest A. palmatums, growing to only 6′ tall.

Acer shirasawanum, the Full Moon Maple, is another favourite. It is known for its attractive, rounded foliage and vibrant fall colour. These slow-growing trees eventually reach 15 -20 feet (4.5-6m) tall.

Growing Japanese Maples in Vancouver

While some Japanese maples tolerate full sun, they all prefer dappled or partial shade. Ideally, give them protection from hot afternoon sun, which can burn their leaves. (Don’t place them in total shade, though: they need at least a couple hours’ sun for best health and to develop the foliage colour they’re known for.)

Japanese maples like well-drained but consistently moist soil. In Vancouver’s summer-dry climate, they appreciate supplemental water. This is especially critical for newly planted  and container-grown trees, as well as during heatwaves and extended periods of drought.

Most established Japanese maples don’t require regular feeding, unless grown in containers. A balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer applied once during the spring is enough to support developing and container-grown plants.

Pruning a Japanese maple is best done with a judicious hand. Remove only dead or damaged branches, as well as those that rub against each other. If you must prune for other reasons (such as to reduce size), prune in late winter while the tree is dormant. Make a clean, angled cut above buds or lateral branches.

2. Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)

Looking for a native alternative to the Japanese maple? BC’s vine maple, Acer circinatum, is an excellent choice. Named for its very slender, sprawling branches, vine maples are common understory trees here in British Columbia and make fantastic ornamental trees for small gardens. Reaching 15′-25′ tall (4.5m-7.6m), these low-branched trees are often multi-trunked. They offer beautiful fall colour, with trees growing in shade turning a pale yellow and those growing in sun turning orange or scarlet.

Growing Vine Maples in Vancouver

Versatile trees, vine maples thrive in either sun or shade, with a preference for moist soils. Like Japanese maples, established vine maples don’t require regular feeding unless grown in containers. Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer once during the spring to support developing and container-grown plants.

3. Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

Kousa or Chinese Dogwoods are another fantastic choice for Vancouver gardens, offering three seasons of interest. These flowering dogwoods put on a beautiful display of white, yellow, or pink blossoms in the spring followed by pink-red fruits in summer and, finally, vibrant fall foliage. Their curious-looking fruit is a favourite of songbirds.

Cornus kousa is vase-shaped in youth, becoming more rounded with tiered horizontal branching as it ages. It blooms for about six weeks beginning in early June. Considered more cold hardy and drought resistant than C. florida and more disease resistant than C. florida and C. nuttalii, the Kousa dogwood is an excellent selection for small gardens. While some varieties of C. kousa can reach up to 30′ (9m) tall, some of our favourites stay within the 15′-20′ (4.5m-7.6m) range. These include the lovely ‘Greensleeves,’ with its pale green flowers; ‘Satomi,’ with its blush-pink flowers; and the very popular columnar variety, ‘Snow Tower.’ Smaller still is ‘Summer Gold,’ with its gold-variegated foliage, which remains under 8′ (2.5m).

Growing Dogwoods in Vancouver

Dogwoods are well-suited to the local climate (Cornus nuttallii is, after all, British Columbia’s provincial flower). These trees prefer full sun to part shade and soil that is well draining, nutrient rich, and acidic (the latter is no problem here in Vancouver, where our soil is naturally acidic). While they’re relatively low-maintenance once established, dogwoods are not particularly drought tolerant when young. Even older trees will benefit from weekly deep supplemental watering during extended dry and hot periods. Fertilize your dogwood tree in early spring for best performance.

4. Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)

Known for its unique fan-shaped leaves and brilliant golden fall colour, the Ginkgo (sometimes spelled Gingko) or Maidenhair tree is a resilient and striking choice for small gardens. Fun fact: the ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species on the planet and considered a “living fossil.” This tree is incredibly hardy, tolerant of urban pollution, and can thrive in various soil conditions. Its slow growth rate makes it ideal for compact spaces, and it requires minimal maintenance once established.

The diminutive ‘Mariken’ and ‘Troll’ varieties make ideal specimens for very small spaces. Reaching just 3′ (1m) tall and wide, these dwarf trees can be grown in containers and make a beautiful feature for a patio or balcony garden.

If you have more space, narrow growing and columnar varieties include G. biloba fastigiata, which eventually reaches to 50′ (15m) but remains a relatively narrow 13′ (4m) wide, and ‘Princeton Sentry,’ which tops out at 40′ (12m) and 13′ (4m) wide. Both take many years to reach their full size.

Growing Ginkgo biloba in Vancouver

Ginkgos are incredibly adaptable trees, tolerating a range of growing conditions. For ideal growth, plant in full sun or partial shade and provide fertile, well-drained soil. No pruning is necessary, and you’re unlikely to encounter any pests or diseases. Water regularly, especially during summer dry spells, until the tree is well established.

5. Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora, M. stellata and M. siebolbii)

Magnolias are celebrated for their showy, saucer-like blossoms and elegant growth habit, making them a beautiful addition to small gardens. The white, pink, or yellow flowers bloom in early spring, even before the leaves unfurl, creating a dramatic display. Some species, such as Magnolia grandiflora, are evergreen and can add year-round interest with their glossy foliage.

Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the Southern Magnolia, is a stately tree with large, leathery, dark-green leaves and impressive white flowers that can measure up to 12″ (30 cm) across. This variety can reach heights of 60′ (18m) with a spread of 30′ (9m), though dwarf cultivars like ‘Edith Bogue’ are ideal for smaller gardens, staying compact at around 32′ (10m) tall.

For more compact spaces, Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia) is an excellent choice. This small deciduous tree grows to about 10′ (3m) tall and wide, featuring delicate star-shaped white or pink flowers in early spring.

Magnolia sieboldii (Oyama Magnolia) offers a more unique appeal with its pendulous, cup-shaped white flowers with red stamens, blooming in late spring to early summer. It typically reaches 10–15′ (3–4.5m) tall and wide, and its multi-stemmed form creates a graceful, natural shape.

Growing magnolia in Vancouver

Magnolias thrive in Vancouver’s climate, preferring a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They do best with consistent watering, especially in the early years, though established trees are relatively drought-tolerant. Pruning should be done sparingly to maintain their natural shape. Magnolias are generally free from pests and diseases. Mulching the base will help retain moisture and protect the roots, especially during dry periods.

6. Crabapple (Malus spp.)

Crabapples are notable for their spectacular spring blooms, vibrant autumn colour, and superior ability to pollinate neighbouring apple trees. As such, these small, ornamental trees are an excellent choice for adding year-round interest to compact gardens. In spring, they burst into clouds of white, pink, or red blossoms, often before the leaves emerge. By fall, their small, colourful fruits—ranging from yellow to deep red—bring ornamental value and provide a food source for birds. The foliage often takes on beautiful shades of yellow, orange, or red in autumn.

One of the best things about crabapples is their adaptability. They come in a wide variety of sizes and forms, from compact, rounded trees to more upright or weeping shapes. Many varieties are well-suited for small gardens. Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’ is a popular cultivar that grows to just 20′ (6m) tall with a narrow, upright form, making it ideal for tight spaces. Its deep pink blooms, purple foliage, and persistent red fruit create a striking display throughout the year. For an even more compact option, Malus ‘Dreamweaver’ is a low-growing variety that reaches only 10′ (3m) tall and 3′ (1m) wide, perfect for patios or smaller urban spaces.

For a unique focal point, the weeping variety Malus ‘Louisa’ stands out with its graceful, arching branches covered in soft pink blossoms. It grows to about 12′ (3.6m) tall and wide, creating a stunning display when in bloom and a charming form year-round.

Growing crabapples in Vancouver

Crabapples thrive in Vancouver’s mild climate, and they’re relatively easy to grow. Plant them in full sun to encourage the best flowering and fruit production. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, but are adaptable to a range of soil types. While crabapples are generally low-maintenance, occasional pruning can help maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. Be sure to water young trees regularly until they’re established, especially during dry spells. In Vancouver, crabapples are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, though keeping an eye out for apple scab and fire blight is recommended.

7. Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia)

Japanese Stewartia is a stunning small tree that offers year-round beauty. In midsummer, it produces delicate, white, cup-shaped flowers with golden centres that resemble those of camellias. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a striking seasonal display. Even in winter, Stewartia continues to shine with its distinctive bark, which exfoliates to reveal a mosaic of reddish-brown, grey, and cream, making it a visually interesting tree during the colder months. Its relatively slow growth and graceful, pyramidal shape make it ideal for smaller spaces, though in ideal conditions it eventually reaches 20–30′ (6–9m) tall and 15–20′ (4.5–6m) wide.

Growing Japanese Stewartia in Vancouver

Japanese Stewartia thrives in Vancouver’s cool, temperate climate. It prefers partial shade or full sun, though it should be sheltered from the hottest afternoon sun. Plant it in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, rich in organic matter for optimal growth. Stewartias are slow-growing and generally require little pruning, though shaping can be done in winter if necessary. Regular watering is important during the tree’s establishment phase, but once settled, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Stewartia is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens.

8. Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)

The Japanese Snowbell is a graceful, small deciduous tree known for its elegant, bell-shaped flowers and attractive horizontal branching. In late spring to early summer, it produces delicate, fragrant white flowers that hang in clusters beneath the branches, resembling dangling snowbells. These blooms create a beautiful, soft contrast against the tree’s dark green foliage, making it a lovely focal point for smaller gardens. The tree also features a smooth grey bark that develops orange-brown streaks with age, adding winter interest to the landscape.

Reaching about 20–30′ (6–9m) in height and spread, the Japanese Snowbell has a refined, vase-shaped form with slightly weeping branches, making it ideal for smaller spaces or as a feature tree in urban gardens. For a more compact option, Styrax japonicus ‘Snowcone’ is a dwarf variety that grows to only 15′ (4.5m) tall and wide, perfect for patios, courtyards, or smaller landscapes. Its abundant white blooms and tidy shape make it a favourite among gardeners.

Growing Japanese Snowbell in Vancouver

The Japanese Snowbell thrives in Vancouver’s cool, mild climate. It prefers a site with dappled sunlight or partial shade and benefits from protection against the intense afternoon sun. This tree does best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Regular watering is important, especially during hot summer months and while the tree is becoming established. Japanese Snowbell requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural shape, and it’s generally free from pests and diseases, making it an easy-care choice for the Pacific Northwest. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool during warm weather.

9. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)

The Hinoki Cypress is a compact evergreen tree prized for its graceful, conical shape and soft, feathery foliage. This is an elegant, textural and slow-growing evergreen that we just love! It makes an excellent choice for smaller gardens, rockeries, or as a container plant. Its neat, symmetrical form requires little maintenance, making it a popular option for both formal and informal garden designs.

There are many dwarf and compact varieties of Hinoki Cypress that are ideal for tight spaces. Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’ is one of the most well-known dwarf cultivars, growing to just 6′ (1.8m) tall and wide. Its dense, layered foliage gives it a sculptural quality, making it perfect as a focal point in a small garden or container. For those with a little more space, Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracilis’ grows to 16′ (5m) tall and 6′ (2m) wide.

Growing Hinoki Cypress in Vancouver

The Hinoki Cypress thrives in Vancouver’s cool, moist climate. It prefers full sun to partial shade and performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. While it’s slow-growing, it benefits from regular watering, especially during the dry summer months. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but prefers moist soil to maintain its lush appearance. Hinoki Cypress requires minimal pruning, as its natural form is typically tidy and symmetrical. In Vancouver, it is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an easy-care, reliable evergreen for year-round interest.

10. Dwarf Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichium)

While the straight species (Taxodium distichium, or Bald Cypress) is not a small tree, dwarf varieties such as ‘Peve Minaret’ offer a compact version of this fascinating deciduous conifer. Known for its striking feathery foliage, which turns from soft green in spring and summer to rich coppery-orange in fall, Taxodium ‘Peve Minaret’ has a narrow, columnar growth habit. This slow-growing tree typically reaches about 8′ (2.5m) tall and 3′ (1m) wide, making it an excellent choice for small gardens, containers, or as an architectural focal point in the landscape.

Despite its delicate, fern-like foliage, Taxodium ‘Peve Minaret’ is surprisingly hardy and adaptable. It thrives in both wet and dry conditions, making it a great choice for a variety of garden settings. Its unique, pyramidal form and soft foliage give it year-round interest, even after the needles drop in winter, revealing the tree’s attractive, reddish-brown bark.

Growing Taxodium distichium ‘Peve Minaret’ in Vancouver

‘Peve Minaret’ thrives in Vancouver’s temperate climate. It prefers full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. Though it is adaptable to both wet and dry conditions, regular watering is recommended for young trees until they are established. Once mature, it can handle occasional periods of drought. This variety is pest- and disease-resistant and requires minimal maintenance, with no significant pruning necessary. Its striking fall colour and unique form make it a standout tree for year-round interest in the Pacific Northwest garden.

11. Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)

Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, is a beautiful, evergreen tree or large shrub known for its attractive bark, glossy foliage, and year-round interest. Its showy white or pink bell-shaped flowers bloom in fall, often at the same time as the tree’s bright red, strawberry-like fruit ripens, creating a stunning visual contrast. While the fruit is edible, it’s more valued for its ornamental appeal than its flavour. The peeling cinnamon-brown bark adds texture and colour to the landscape, especially in winter.

Arbutus unedo is a versatile tree, slowly growing to 10–20′ (3–6m) tall. Its bushy, rounded shape and manageable size make it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, where it provides multi-season interest and is often used as a specimen or focal point tree. Dwarf varieties such as Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta’ stay even smaller, reaching about 8–10′ (2.4–3m) tall, making them ideal for limited spaces or container planting.

Growing Arbutus unedo in Vancouver

The Strawberry Tree thrives in Vancouver’s mild, temperate climate, making it an excellent choice for Pacific Northwest gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained. Once established, Arbutus unedo is drought-tolerant, though regular watering during dry periods is beneficial for young trees. This hardy tree is resistant to most pests and diseases and requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning to shape or remove dead branches. Its adaptability and year-round beauty make it a favorite for low-maintenance landscapes.

Planting and Care Tips for Small Trees

Planting small trees in your Vancouver garden requires careful planning and ongoing care to ensure they thrive. Here are our tips to ensure your tree has the best chance at success.

Preparing to plant

1. Get the timing right. Fall is the ideal time to plant trees in Vancouver. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create the perfect conditions for root establishment before the onset of summer.
2. Choose the right location. Select a spot that meets the tree’s sunlight, soil, and space requirements. Consider how large the tree will grow and ensure there is enough room for the canopy and roots to expand. Avoid areas too close to buildings, power lines, or other trees.
3. Prepare the planting hole. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s root ball, but no deeper than the height of the root ball. This allows the roots to spread easily into the surrounding soil while ensuring the tree is not planted too low. Break up the soil around the sides of the hole to prevent root circling and compaction. If the soil is compacted or of poor quality, mix in some organic matter like compost, but avoid over-enriching the soil, as this can discourage roots from expanding into the surrounding area.

Planting your tree

1. Position the tree. Gently remove the tree from its container. Straighten out any encircling roots to encourage outward growth. Place the tree in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding ground. Planting too deep can cause the trunk to rot or the tree to struggle for oxygen. Orient the tree so that the best side faces the most visible direction in your landscape.
2. Backfill the hole. Begin filling the hole with the original soil, pressing it down gently as you go to eliminate air pockets, which can cause the tree to settle too deeply or dry out. Fill the hole until the root ball is securely in place, making sure the tree is upright and straight.
3. Water thoroughly. After planting, give the tree a deep, slow watering to help settle the soil around the roots and encourage initial root growth. Newly planted trees require consistent watering.
4. Mulch around the base. Apply a 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) layer of mulch around the base of the tree, extending out to the tree’s dripline. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Stake if necessary. If the tree is in a windy area or has a weak trunk, stake it loosely for the first year to provide support while it establishes. Ensure the stakes and ties don’t restrict the trunk’s movement too much, as some sway is necessary for strong trunk development.

Maintaining and caring for your tree

1. Provide consistent water. In Vancouver, while the fall and winter rains generally provide sufficient moisture, be sure to water your tree during the drier summer months, especially during the first few years.
2. Fertilize. If planted in fertile soil, most in-ground trees don’t require regular ongoing fertilization after the first few years. A balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer applied once during the spring is enough to support young and container-grown plants.
3. Pruning and shaping. Learn about the specific pruning needs of your tree: some benefit from regular pruning, while others are better off without. For all species, you can remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and prevent potential issues.

By selecting trees that are well-suited to Vancouver’s unique climate and considering factors like sun exposure and seasonal interest, you can create a garden that is both functional and visually appealing. Visit Figaro’s Garden to explore the many options available and get expert advice on the best small trees for your space.

Looking to grow more fruit in your small garden? Read our blog post on growing apple trees in small spaces.