Recently I had to have some old dying trees removed from my property and it got me to thinking about how we could plan and make use of trees on our properties. So here is some info on small trees landscaping.
Have a Plan
First you must determine what will be the purpose of the tree you would like to plant. When you are looking to enhance the beauty or curb appeal of your home ornamental, or flowering trees are a good choice. You want something with unique shape or 
vibrant color.
When shade or privacy is a concern, you may want to choose something with a broad canopy. If your main concern is privacy, you could consider one of the many fast growing varieties that are available today.
There are many dwarf fruit trees available today to have you enjoying your homegrown fruit in as little as 3 – 5 years. Many trees attract different types of wildlife. So if you do or do not wish for this effect you can plan accordingly.
The right tree for the right job
Once you have determined what you want your small tree landscaping to do, you need to find out what type of trees will fit your particular conditions.
Upon selecting a tree, you need to determine if your selected site will meet the conditions necessary to keep your trees healthy. A good place to start is picking a tree that is suitable for your Hardiness Zone.
Sun exposure will be a big factor in keeping your tree in good health. Pay attention to the sun conditions in the area you wish to plant your tree before making the selection to ensure compatibility for your trees. Too much or too little sun can be negative factors according to the type of tree.
You will need to take into consideration, how big your tree will be at maturity and plant accordingly. A rule of thumb is to divide the mature spread of your tree in half and to plant your tree that far away from structures, such as your home or patio. A 15-foot mature tree should be planted 7 feet 6 inches from your home or other structures.
Keep in mind the presence of things such as overhanging wires in relation to your chosen trees mature height and spread. Be sure you are planting in an area that receives adequate moisture and has good drainage.
Create your design
Native, diverse species will create healthier landscape designs. Interplanting trees, shrubs and diverse species discourages disease and pests and creates beautiful and unique designs.
Incorporate existing trees into your design and be sure to consider the proper selections for your expected sun conditions. A mixture of evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs can create stunning landscape design.
Some Choices for Shade
Hopi Crape Myrtle has a moderate growth rate and achieves a height and width of 4 to 10 feet. It thrives in full sun and growing zones 6-9. It has huge clusters of full pink blossoms on a semi-dwarf frame.
Saucer magnolia has a medium growth rate and achieves a height of 20 to 30 feet and a spread of 25 feet. It does well in full sun and zones 4 – 9. It has big broad dark green leaves. Saucer magnolia produces attractive pink and white flowers from early February through May.
Prairie Fire Crab Apple has a medium growth rate and achieves a height and spread of 15 to 20 feet. It does well in full sun and growing zones 4 – 9. It has purple leaves with dark green overcast and fragrant rich pink flowers in the Spring.
Some Choices for Privacy
Blue Chinese Wisteria is fast growing to heights of 10 – 15 feet and a spread of 10 – 12 feet in hardiness zones 5- 9. It does well in full sun to partial shade. In late spring to early summer it has long streams of lavender and purple sweet smelling flowers. As the seasons progress, the blooms fade to blue. It has small dark green leaves.
Emerald Green Arborvitae has a moderate growth rate to 8 – 12 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. It grows well in full sun in growing zones 3 – 8. It is a very thick, medium-sized evergreen that never needs trimming.
Goldspire Ginkgo has a moderate growth rate to heights of 14 – 16 feet in growing zones 4 – 9. It does well in full to partial sun. It has a deep green foliage that turns beautiful golden yellow in the fall.
Some Fragrant Choices
Sweet Mock Orange Shrub has a moderate growth rate of 8 – 10 feet in both width and height. It grows well in full to partial sun in growing zones 4- 8. It has serrated emerald green leaves. Sweet Mock Orange gets bright white,citrus like scented blossoms in the spring and early summer.
Mimosa trees are fast growing to heights of 20 – 25 feet and a spread of 10 – 20 feet. It grows in full sun in growing zones 6 – 10. They have a tropical look with fragrant, hot pink, clustered blooms and are perhaps a hummingbird’s favorite.
Dwarf Josee Reblooming Lilac is moderate growing to heights of 6 feet and a spread of 4 – 5 feet. It grows well in full sun to partial shade in growing zones 2 – 9. It has beautiful lavender-pink flowers from May until frost.
Look around
A good place to start now that you are equipped with a little more info is to get yourself a good Guide on tree planting and selections. Get a feel for what you are looking for, between your plan formulated from the above info and the guide. Than go out and visit some local nurseries. Even if they do not have exactly what you are looking for, they may be able to offer you a suitable substitute based on what you desire.
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