13 Best Trees for Patios

Small trees to grace your patio and add shade

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Smaller patio trees can serve as natural focal points, add privacy, frame views, provide shade, and even bear fruit. Many of these trees can grow well in containers or raised beds. Some patio trees are evergreen while others have special features, such as flowers, attractive bark, and vivid fall colors. Certain patio trees can be staked when young to help them grow neat and upright. Knowing a tree's traits is important before committing, such as how messy it may become as it drops seeds, flowers, and fruits, and whether it thrives in your climate.

Here are 13 of the best small trees to grow around a patio or deck.

Tip

To find the right tree for your space, first consider its mature size. Also, note whether its roots tend to crack or lift pavement, which shouldn't be planted next to a patio. 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.

Chaste Tree

The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a Mediterranean and Asian native with multiple trunks that can be trained to make a pretty patio shade tree. 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. Annual pruning during the late winter is recommended to maintain its shape. Moreover, the tree is heat-tolerant and resistant to oak root fungus. Beware it's a messy plant with fruits that drop and stain pavement or lawn furniture.

• Name: Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

• USDA Growing Zones: 6-9

• Color Varieties: Lavender-blue, white, pink

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Needs: Loose, well-drained, medium moisture

• Mature Size: 8-20 ft. tall, 5-20 ft. wide

Kumquat

Kumquat trees (Citrus japonica) can be grown in pots or in the ground. 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. Moreover, it’s 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.

• Name: Kumquat (Citrus japonica)

• USDA Growing Zones: 9-10

• Color Varieties: White

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Needs: Moist, sandy loam or clay

• Mature Size: 8 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide, but smaller in pots

Japanese Maple

Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum or A. japonicum) are naturally small and work well in the ground or containers. Just be ready to repot your tree into a larger container every other year or so. The best varieties of Japanese maples for containers are the kinds with weeping branches and finely cut, threadlike leaves. This includes the 'Dissectum', 'Red Dragon', 'Burgundy Lace', 'Crimson Queen', 'Butterfly', and 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' varieties. Japanese maples require little pruning. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches as you spot them, and prune for shape if you wish.

• Name: Japanese maple (Acer palmatum or A. japonicum)

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-8

• Color Varieties: Red-purple

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic

• Mature Size: Up to 15 ft. tall

Ficus

Ficus trees (Ficus benjamina) can grow to heights of 50 feet or more in the wild, but grow much smaller as houseplants. This small tree's bright green leaves (which tend to shed) and twisty, arching branches make it an eye-catching feature in any location. Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig, makes a versatile patio plant that transitions easily from indoors to outdoors. It is hardy to only zone 10 but can be brought outside in cold climates after the threat of spring frost has passed. Your ficus will benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season, but then you can back off the fertilizer in the winter. Ficus sap is toxic to animals.

• Name: Ficus (Ficus benjamina)

• USDA Growing Zones: 10-12

• Color Varieties: Insignificant bloom

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

• Mature Size: 6 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide, when potted

European Fan Palm

The striking silhouettes of palm trees are perfect for instantly adding a look of the tropics to your patio or deck. In addition to European fan palms (Chamaerops humilis), there are several other species suitable for small spaces, including the pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), paradise palm (Howea forsteriana), lady palm (Rhapis excelsa), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), and windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). Fertilize your palm throughout the growing season, and prune off dead or diseased portions as you spot them. Also, be sure not to overwater, as this can kill a palm.

• Name: European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis)

• USDA Growing Zones: 9-11

• Color Varieties: Yellow

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

• Mature Size: 6–15 ft. tall, 6–20 ft. wide

Ornamental Crabapple

Ornamental crabapple plants (Malus) are admired for their brief but lovely display of red, pink, or white flowers rather than inedible fruits. The smallest varieties can be planted in containers while other types can be trained against a wall or fence as an espalier. Also known as flowering crabapple trees, the varieties suitable for large containers include 'Centurion', 'Indian magic', Japanese (M. floribunda), and Sargent (M. sargentii). Crabapple trees are somewhat drought tolerant once they’re mature but don’t let their soil dry out. Water the tree during a stretch without rain, especially during warmer months. They generally require little pruning besides removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Crabapple trees are toxic to animals.

• Name: Ornamental crabapple (Malus)

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8

• Color Varieties: Red, pink, white

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

• Mature Size: 15–20 ft. tall, 12–20 ft. wide (occasionally larger)

Ornamental Cherry or Plum

Small, flowering Prunus trees are variously called cherry or plum trees. They typically have dark purple foliage, as well as white, pink, or red flowers, depending on the variety. They are suitable for large containers or raised beds. Some of these trees are susceptible to insect issues and fungal diseases. So prune your tree to slightly thin the branches and improve air circulation, which can help to prevent these problems.

Smaller varieties of plums include the purpleleaf plum (Prunus cerasifera), Krauter Vesuvius purpleleaf plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius'), and double pink flowering plum (Prunus x blireiana). Small flowering cherry trees include purpleleaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena), Yoshino cherry (Japanese flowering cherry; Prunus x yedoensis), 'Albertii' (Prunus padus), and 'Okame' (Prunus incisa x Prunus campanulata). Cherry and plum trees are toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Ornamental cherry or plum (Prunus)

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-8

• Color Varieties: White, pink, red

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained

• Mature Size: 15–25 ft. tall and wide

Pine

Because pines (Pinus) are evergreen, they give you something green to look at on your patio throughout the year. Plus, they maintain some shade and privacy year-round. With frequent pruning, you can keep a pine small if you wish. Several species are suitable for patios or decks, including lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), evergreen Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), and evergreen Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora). Consider growing evergreen dwarf Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) or evergreen Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergiana) in large containers. Pine trees generally require little care. 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.

• Name: Pine (Pinus)

• USDA Growing Zones: 2-8

• Color Varieties: Nonflowering

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained, medium moisture

• Mature Size: About 2-5 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide for dwarf types but mature size varies per type

Smoke Tree

The smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria), also called the smoke bush, is known for its stunning dark reddish-purple leaves and silky hairs that resemble puffs of smoke. It can be grown in a large container or near a deck or patio. The "smoke" effect is created by the fluffy hairs that follow the tree's (insignificant) flowers in the spring. 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.

• Name: Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria)

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-8

• Color Varieties: Pink to lavender or purplish pink

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

• Mature Size: 10-15 ft. tall and wide

Ornamental Pear

You will need at least two pear trees for optimal cross-pollination and fruit. Alternatively, choose a dwarf D'Anjou or Bartlett if you have room for only one tree, as these varieties can pollinate themselves to some degree. Other suitable varieties for patio areas include snow pear (Pyrus nivalis), Manchurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis), edgedell pear (fl x P. betulaefolia), 'Glen’s Form' (Pyrus calleryana ‘Glen’s Form’), and 'Jack' flowering pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Jaczam'). Pear trees typically can tolerate wet soil but it must have good drainage. The trees are susceptible to fire blight disease, so it’s important to prune off infected portions to help stop the spread promptly.

Warning

Avoid Bradford pear trees (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') for their problems, such as odor and invasiveness.

• Name: Ornamental pear (Pyrus)

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-9

• Color Varieties: White

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Needs: Moist, humusy, well-drained

• Mature Size: 20-50 ft. tall, 15-20 ft. wide (standard, depending on type) or 15 ft. tall, 10-ft wide (dwarf, depending on type)

Sweet Bay

Sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) is a small, slender evergreen with a conical form. Its foliage is dark green and highly aromatic. The leaves are the same bay leaves that are used in many types of cooking. 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. Also, while this plant likes a lot of light, protect your tree from hot afternoon sun during the warmest months of the year. This tree is toxic to animals.

• Name: Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)

• USDA Growing Zones: 8-10

• Color Varieties: Yellow-green

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

• Mature Size: 10–60 ft. tall, 5–20 ft. wide

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) trees (or shrubs) are well known in the southern United States for their showy pinkish blooms, gorgeous bark, and beautiful fall foliage. You can grow full-size varieties in large containers; they will reach about 10 feet tall. There are also many smaller trees, such as 'Acoma', 'Yuma', 'Zuni', 'Catawba', 'Comanche', 'Hopi', 'Centennial', 'Chica Pink', 'Chica Red', 'Glendora White', 'Peppermint Lace', ' Enduring Summer White' (dwarf). 'Pink Velour', 'Seminole', and 'White Chocolate' varieties. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can promote leaf growth over blooming. Also, extensive pruning usually isn’t necessary, though you can prune for shape if you wish in the early spring.

• Name: Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

• USDA Growing Zones: 6-9

• Color Varieties: White, pink

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

• Mature Size: 6-25 ft. tall, 6-20 ft. wide, but dwarf types can grow 4-5 ft. tall and wide

Wisteria

Besides being gorgeous, wisteria (Wisteria spp.) can be trained as a vine, shrub, or small tree. To train it as a tree, remove all but one stem, and secure that stem by tying it to a stake. When it reaches the desired height, prune or pinch the branch tips to force more branching. Wisteria can also be grown to cover an arbor or pergola. Chinese wisteria (W. sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda) are most common. Fertilizer usually isn’t necessary unless you have poor soil. But you can add a layer of compost to promote blooming and healthy growth.

Warning

Before planting, note that both Chinese and Japanese wisteria are considered invasive in North America. To avoid invasiveness or to reduce pruning time, grow non-invasive American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) or evergreen wisteria (Millettia reticulata).

• Name: Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-8

• Color Varieties: White, pink, purple

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained

• Mature Size: 10-25 ft. long, 4-8 ft. wide

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Read the original article on The Spruce.