A garden is a perfect place to unwind and de-stress after a busy day. The presence of trees lowers the surrounding temperature. They improve air quality, absorb pollution and produce oxygen. Trees decrease soil erosion, increase fertility and help the soil to acquire moisture. Decomposed leaves fallen on the garden turn into nutrients for tree growth and help microorganisms to thrive.
When it comes to trees growing trees in a garden, one should try and opt for native trees that are naturally found in the particular region. These trees are well adapted to the surroundings and require less maintenance.
“Many insects and birds, depend on native trees for food and shelter. So, these are best for the environment. However, not all native trees are evergreen trees. There are many evergreen trees that can be planted in a small garden,” says Anusha Babbar, proprietor of garden design consultancy, Under the Tree.
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Ideal trees for a small garden
Lagerstroemia Speciose: Native to India, this tree can add a colourful appeal to any small garden, with its pink-lavender flowers. It is widely cultivated in home gardens. It needs six hours of direct sunlight and well-drained soil.
Cassia Fistula / Indian Laburnum: If you want to make the garden look ethereal, opt for Indian Laburnum tree, which has captivating yellow blooms. It flowers when it drops its leaves. This native Indian tree needs full sunlight and well-drained soil.
Nyctanthes Arbortristis (Parijat): The small evergreen native Indian tree, which has fragrant flowers, is a great choice for a small garden. It can grow even in part shade and needs moderate watering and well-drained soil.
Michaela Champaca, Sonchafa: Native to India, Sonchafa, a yellow or orange flowering fragrant tree is easy to grow and maintain. It needs a lot of filtered sunlight and fertile soil.
Pongamia: This hardy, native, evergreen, fast-growing tree, which has lovely clusters of white or pink flowers, grows well in full and partial sunlight and in various types of soils.
Bauhinia or Kachnar: Bauhinia is a middle-sized perennial small tree that bears bright pink or white orchid-like flowers and is widely planted in small gardens. It requires porus, rich, well-drained soil and ideally a sunny spot, although it can survive in semi shade too.
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Fruit trees for small gardens
Star Fruit or Carambola: The sweet-and-sour juicy fruit, which resembles a star, can grow in any type of soil with good drainage but it prefers acidic soil and plenty of sunlight.
Mulberry: This small, fast growing evergreen tree bears juicy sweet red, purple or black berries. It needs full sunlight and prefers well drained, fertile soil.
Guava: The powerhouse of nutrients, it is a small tropical fruit tree that is easy to grow in any type of soil but needs ample sunlight.
Custard apple: The green, soft, delicious fruit can grow in different types of soil, from saline soils to dry soil. It needs well-drained soil and bright direct sunlight.
Papaya: This is eaten raw, as well as ripe, for its numerous benefits. It is a fast growing tree which bears fruits all year around. It needs a lot of sunlight and well-drained, fertile soil.
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Tips for planting trees in a small garden
- Trees ideally should be grown on the ground and not in a pot.
- Use a stake or stick, to support newly-planted trees for about three months. Never place the stake too close to the roots. Always place it in a triangular fashion, a foot away from the roots.
- Do not grow trees close to the foundation of the house. Grow trees along the periphery or in a sunny, open space, where they can reach their full potential.
- Do not plant too many trees in close proximity. Keep a distance of 15-20 ft between two trees.
- Trees can be used to create privacy in the garden when planted along the border.
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- Mulch, fertilise and prune the trees regularly.
- Keep a watchful eye for pests and fungal infections on trees and if any, treat them immediately.
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FAQ
What is the best evergreen tree for a small garden?
What is the fastest growing evergreen tree?
Some fast-growing evergreen trees include Pongamia, Mulberry and Papaya.