These low-maintenance trees are perfect for any garden!
We all want to have beautiful gardens that give us shade and are different than the ones our neighbors have. An easy way to make your garden stand out is to choose the trees wisely.
But keep in mind that a new tree is a long-term thing because it takes years for it to grow, and you need to take good care of it. Hopefully, there are some low-maintenance trees out there that are perfect for any lazy gardener.
They are highly ornamental, yet you don’t need to always look after them. They are easy to grow and are perfect if you want to add some structure to your garden.
Trees have so much to offer, so it would be a shame not to plant any because you are afraid it will be difficult to take care of them. Here are some low-maintenance trees that are perfect no matter if you have a big garden or a small one. Read on and find out more about them!
1. American basswood
This tree is a wonderful addition to any landscape, and if you are looking for low-maintenance trees, this is perfect for you. It provides shade and supports local wildlife; what more can you want from a tree?
Its large, heart-shaped leaves are perfect for making shade, and it is amazing for large gardens. Also, we said that it supports wildlife, right? The American basswood is the home of butterfly caterpillars like the red-spotted purple and mourning cloak butterflies, and this means this is a tree that adds ecological value to your garden.
During the spring, the American basswood will flower, and its yellowish-white flowers that are arranged in clusters will attract honeybees and other pollinators. Later on, in the fall, the foliage will turn a soft yellow, and this will add a splash of color to your garden.
The American Basswood prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil. When the tree is young, make sure to allow it to grow freely by giving it space for its rounded crown to mature.
This tree is one of the low-maintenance trees, but it can reach impressive heights of 60 to 80 feet.
2. Eastern hop hornbeam
This is another one of the low-maintenance trees that often gets overlooked in favor of more popular species, but hear us out when we tell you that this tree is a real gem and you should consider planting it in your garden.
The Eastern Hop Hornbeam has unique features that make it special. While it’s a versatile tree that can be planted in a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to full shade, it prefers moist, shaded areas. This means that if you are seeking to find a tree to fill those hard-to-plant spots, then you should know that this should be the chosen one.
This tree has birch-like features and also grows some papery fruit clusters resembling hops. It has a slender trunk and a nice oval or pyramidal crown, and in the spring its long yellowish catkins bloom, and later they will turn into the hops we were telling you about.
If you are into bird watching, the Eastern Hop Hornbeam is a good one of the low-maintenance trees because it attracts various birds and it offers foraging opportunities.
The tree can reach 20 to 40 feet, and this makes it medium in size. It gives shade without overwhelming your space and can adapt to a wide range of climates.
3. Norway Spruce
The Norway spruce, also known as Picea abies, is among the best low-maintenance trees for anyone looking for a tree that is green all year long and also wants to add a majestic air to their garden.
This tree has some features that will attract all eyes, such as the dense, dark green needles that gracefully drop down with large, cylindrical brown cones. But we included it on this list because it thrives in cold climates, hardiness zones 2 to 7. It’s a very resilient tree that does best in areas with cool summers and full sun.
Once you plant it, the Norway spruce requires minimal care, as it is drought-tolerant and resistant to common pests and diseases. It does well in well-drained, moist, acidic soil, and this means it will look good and healthy even if you don’t give it too much attention.
You can plant a single tree if you want a “centerpiece” in your garden, or if you want privacy, you can plant a row of trees. If you feel like you don’t have space for such a big tree that can reach 40 to 60 feet, you need to know that there are many cultivars, including dwarf and weeping varieties.
4. Common witch hazel
This is a tree that offers beauty to your landscape and is also one of the low-maintenance tree options. Those spidery, feathery yellow flowers that bloom in late fall or early winter are incredible and are a good addition to a garden because this is a tree that flowers at a time when most plants are dormant.
But what makes witch hazel one of the low-maintenance trees? First of all, this is a very adaptable tree. From hardiness zone 3 to hardiness zone 9, common witch hazel can grow without any problem at all. Then it doesn’t matter where you place it. Full sun or partial shade? This tree couldn’t care less. As long as it has some light, it will grow.
Occasional watering during dry spells is enough to keep it happy. Also, the natural shape of the common witch hazel makes it one of the low-maintenance trees. We say this because its shrubby shape requires little pruning.
With a height ranging from 15 to 30 feet, it is a small tree that can perfectly fit into smaller landscapes.
5. White oak
This is a long-lasting, majestic tree that is great for anyone who is looking to plant a tree that will grow high. And when we say high, we really mean it. The white oak can reach 135 feet tall, but as you can imagine, this will take years.
The white oak can adapt well to a large range of climates. Also, it tolerates full sun to partial shade, which makes it perfect to plant in almost any spot you have in your garden. Once established, this is a tree that is drought-tolerant and loves well-draining soil. It is true that it takes time until it matures, but once it does, the tree becomes incredibly self-sufficient, with little need for regular pruning or extra care.
Also, the white oak is an oasis for wildlife. Its leaves serve as host plants for several butterfly and moth species, and acorns are the food of choice for many birds and small mammals. Besides this, its dense canopy is the perfect place for birds to build their nests.
6. Saucer magnolia
Maybe you were not expecting to see a magnolia tree on a list of low-maintenance trees, but here it is. The saucer magnolia is one of the best low-maintenance trees and is a great addition if you want your garden to be full of color in the spring.
Those beautiful pink flowers are something many people wish to have in their garden, and this is a small tree that can reach anywhere between 15 and 35 feet, which is perfect for tiny yards.
What makes the Saucer Magnolia so easy to grow is its adaptability. It thrives in full sun and partial shade, and it can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 9. Once the tree starts to grow, you don’t have to do much. But regular watering is a must in the first year when it still develops its root system. Over time, it becomes drought-tolerant and also resistant to most pests.
It grows slowly and steadily, so you don’t have to worry about it outgrowing the space. This will take time, and you can prepare when the time comes.
The best thing about this tree is that it blooms immediately after the cold winter and helps you enjoy the spring. To avoid frost damage in cooler climates, consider planting a late-flowering cultivar.
7. American persimmon
The American persimmon is one of the low-maintenance trees that manages to combine both beauty and utility. This is a native species from central and eastern North America and is the perfect choice for any gardener who wants a tree that requires minimal care and offers some surprising benefits.
This is a highly adaptable tree that can grow in many soil types and can also thrive in different landscapes and climates. But what differentiates it from the trees that were already presented on this list is its edible fruits.
The orange persimmons taste incredible once they are ready to harvest. They are perfect for making preserves, jams, or even enjoying fresh—just be sure to wait until they’re jelly-soft for the best taste.
Also, this is not a tree you have to monitor constantly. It is resistant to most pests, and it doesn’t need much pruning. Throughout the growing season, the American persimmon will have glossy green leaves, and when fall starts, the foliage will turn scarlet, adding a splash of color to your yard.
8. Black gum
This tree is also known as tupelo and is native to central and eastern North America. It can reach heights of 40 to 70 feet, and most people talk about it because it has some fantastic colors during the fall. And indeed, this is one of the most striking trees when we talk about foliage in the fall.
Also, the black gum is a tree that can grow on many hardiness zones, more exactly zone 4 to zone 9. It generally likes moist soil, but it is not bothered if you plant it in a more arid area. Try to plant the black gum in a sunny place because it will grow beautifully, and once it matures, it will provide shade with its wide canopy.
It is true that this tree grows slowly, but it’s worth waiting for it because the value it adds to your garden is immeasurable.
If you’ve ever wondered what the source of the highly praised tupelo honey is, now you have your answer. The black gum produces white small flowers, and honeybees are attracted by them, and this is how this honey is made.
If you’ve ever wondered what the source of the highly praised tupelo honey is, now you have your answer. The black gum produces white small flowers, and honeybees are attracted by them, and this is how this honey is made.
9. Japanese cherry tree
Yes, this beautiful, famous tree is an exceptional low-maintenance choice that will make your garden stand out during the spring when it will blossom with its pale pink little flowers.
Many are surprised to hear about the modest care needs of the Japanese cherry tree, but it’s all about its size and adaptability. This tree will grow only 15 to 25 feet, and it fits well in most gardens without pruning.
full sun to partial shade the Japanese cherry tree can grow in almost any light condition as long as it has some light. It thrives in well-drained, organically rich soil, and this makes it perfect for most gardens.
It’s true that the average lifespan of this tree is just 20 years because it is susceptible to pests and disease, but considering the years of breathtaking seasonal displays with minimal upkeep, it’s worth growing one in your garden.
10. Red maple
That brilliant red foliage that this tree has in the fall is to die for, and the shade it provides in the summer can’t be compared to many trees.
The red maple tree can grow in zones 2 to 9, and as long as the soil is moist and it gets some light, this tree will grow. Acidic or alkaline, it doesn’t matter. It’s this incredible versatility that makes it one of the low-maintenance trees.
Red maples have a naturally good shape, so they don’t need pruning. Once the tree is established, you can let it grow alone, and you will not encounter problems. Also, they attract wildlife in your yard by offering nesting sites for the birds, shelter, and many foraging opportunities.
11. Winterberry Holly
This is by far one of the best low-maintenance trees, but not so many people know about it, and this is why it is not that popular. It’s true that it is a slow grower, but in the winter you will have the most beautiful garden. Those red berries really do the trick and are also the perfect food for many bird species.
Keep in mind that the winterberry holly requires minimal upkeep. Once the tree is mature enough, you can just let nature do its job. No expensive treatments, no pruning, no nothing. It will withstand the seasons without needing constant attention.
Also, it reaches only 3 to 15 feet in height, which makes it ideal for smaller gardens. If you are looking for something even smaller, look for the dwarf cultivars.
12. Allegheny Serviceberry
One of the perfect low-maintenance trees, the Allegheny serviceberry looks great in any season, and one thing about it is that you don’t need to water it constantly because it doesn’t mind occasional dry spells.
In the spring, the little white flowers will attract pollinators, and later in the winter, the red fruits will feed the birds. Growing between 15 and 25 feet, this is a small tree that fits well in compact gardens. It has a natural multi-trunked form, and you can prune it to shape it however you want.
In terms of light conditions, you can place it wherever you want because it can thrive in full sun but also in partial shade. The Allegheny serviceberry is small, adaptable, and easy to grow, and this makes it a fantastic choice for anyone who is looking for small, low-maintenance trees.
There are many low-maintenance trees that can become part of your garden; you just have to find the ones that fit the best. Some are smaller, some are taller, but most importantly, all of them adapt well to almost any conditions, and this is what makes them perfect for those who don’t have too much time to take care of the garden.
If you want to start pruning your trees, you definitely need: Stainless Steel Hedge Clippers & Shears for Garden, Lawn Pruners
You should also read: Best Plants to Grow Based on the State You Live In!
