This might be a bit promiscuous to say as a land developer, but let’s be honest: narrow front yards can be a real challenge to landscape. But just because a towering oak or arching elm isn’t realistic for your yard doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There are plenty of smaller varieties - many less than 10 feet wide at maturity - that can thrive in urban environments without overwhelming your space.
And, just to ensure you’re set up for success, we’ve run all of these trees past our Architectural Controls department for the official stamp of approval. 😉
Keep scrolling for a visual representation of each recommended tree at bottom.
Valentine Cherry (tree form) | Prunus ‘Valentine (tree form)’
Need to Know:
Full Height: 12’
Full Spread: 7’
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Average to moist conditions. Will not tolerate standing water.
Features: Showy clusters of fragrant white flowers emerge in the spring. Cherry red fruit is ready for picking by late summer (note that the pits are not edible). The fruit is commonly used for pies and preserves.
Pros:
Attracts birds.
The edible fruit is great in pies and preserves.
The low canopy makes this tree a great option for planting under a power line.
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Cons:
This tree requires occasional clean up as the fruit can be a bit messy if too much of it falls on the ground.
Purple Spire Columnar Crabapple | Malus x ‘Jefspire’
Need to Know:
Full Height: 20’
Full Spread: 8’
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Average to moist conditions. Do not allow it to dry out.
Features: Clusters of fregrant pink flowers bloom mid-spring before the leaves, which are an interesting dark purple-green colour throughout the summer. Showy purple fruit in the fall.
Pros:
Great option for narrow spaces due to its tall and narrow shape.
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Relatively low maintenance.
Cons:
No significant negative characteristics.
Globe Blue Spruce (tree form) | Picea pungens ‘Globosa (tree form)’
Need to Know:
Full Height: 6’
Full Spread: 5’
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Adaptable to dry and moist conditions.
Features: Primarily valued for its compact lollipop-shape with attractive blue evergreen foliage.
Pros:
The low canopy makes this tree a great option for planting under a power line.
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Relatively low maintenance.
Drought-tolerant.
Cons:
No significant negative characteristics.
Parkland Pillar Japanese White Birch | Betula platyphylla 'Jefpark'
Need to Know:
Full Height: 30’
Full Spread: 6’
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Moisture: Average to moist conditions. Do not allow it to dry out.
Features: Primarily valued for its rigid columnar form. The smooth white bark is extremely showy and adds significant interest in the winter.
Pros:
Great option for narrow spaces due to its tall and narrow shape.
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Distinctive accent tree.
Low maintenance.
Fast growing.
Cons:
Should not be planted under powerlines.
Gladiator Flowering Crab | Malus ‘Durleo’
Need to Know:
Full Height: 18’
Full Spread: 9’
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Average to moist conditions. Do not allow it to dry out.
Features: Showy pink flowers followed by small purple fruit and rich burgundy-purple leaves all season.
Pros:
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Distinctive accent tree.
Cons:
This tree requires occasional clean up as the fruit can be a bit messy if too much of it falls on the ground.
Rosthern Siberian Crab Apple | Malus baccata ‘Rosthern’
Need to Know:
Full Height: 25’
Full Spread: 8’
Hardiness Zone: 3
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Average to moist conditions. Do not allow it to dry out.
Features: Fragrant white flowers in the spring and bright red fruit in the fall.
Pros:
Attracts birds.
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Looks best without pruning.
Cons:
This is a higher maintenance tree that requires regular care and upkeep.
It is susceptible to disease.
Dwarf Korean Lilac (Tree Form) | Syringa meyeri 'Palibin (tree form)'
Need to Know:
Full Height: 7’
Full Spread: 4’
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Adaptable to dry and wet conditions.
Features: Stunning lilac purple flowers in late spring which are excellent for cutting.
Pros:
Attracts butterflies.
The low canopy makes this tree a great option for planting under a power line.
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Distinctive accent tree.
Low maintenance.
Cons:
No significant negative characteristics.
Scotch Sentinel Pine | Pinus sylvestris ‘Fastigiata’
Need to Know:
Full Height: 25’
Full Spread: 8’
Hardiness Zone: 3
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Average to dry moisture levels.
Features: Primarily valued for its rigid columnar form. The shaggy orange bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. A great option for creating a privacy screen.
Pros:
Great option for narrow spaces due to its tall and narrow shape.
This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Distinctive accent tree.
Fast growing.
Drought-tolerant.
Cons:
Should not be planted under powerlines.
