You might be someone with a small-yard struggling to find the best dwarf evergreen trees for landscaping. These small evergreen trees offer visual appeal all-year round and require minimal maintenance.
My favorite types of dwarf evergreen trees are dwarf Korean lilac, Japanese maple, dwarf Hinoki cypress, and dwarf pencil-pointed juniper. These ornamental trees are compact and low-maintenance for small-yard design.
But finding small ornament evergreen trees for your garden, patio, or Terrace can be a daunting experience. This article will help you find the best small or dwarf evergreen trees for your front yard landscaping.
5 Reasons to Love Dwarf Evergreen Trees
Planting small ornamental evergreen trees come with many benefits apart from saving on space. Here are the top reasons for planting dwarf evergreen shrubs in your garden, patio, or terraces:
Low Maintenance
Dwarf evergreens have small statures that require a minimal pruning routine. The low maintenance requirements help save time and space.
Privacy Screens
These dwarf evergreens are suitable for modest-sized gardens in urban areas since they help block unsightly views without dominating the small yard.
Easy to Plant
These little evergreen trees lack long branches and oversized root balls. These traits make it easy to plant in pots, patios, terraces, and small yards.
Vibrant Colors
Most small ornamental evergreen trees have vibrant foliages and flowers. It helps your garden to pop throughout the year.
Safe Habitat
Dwarf evergreens have lush year-round to provide a safe habitat for our feathered friends. Besides that, they produce berries to provide food for the birds and other wildlife.
Types of Dwarf Evergreen Trees for Your Garden
Dwarf evergreen trees come in numerous varieties that suit different landscapes and climates. Here is my favorite list of dwarf evergreen trees for gardens, patios, and terraces:
Norway Spruce
Norway spruce is among the best dwarf evergreen shrubs for landscaping front yards due to their ground cover traits. These small ornamental evergreen trees look like bushy cushions when matured.
A mature Norway spruce can reach a maximum of four feet tall and spread the same distance wide. We recommend giving these dwarf ornamental evergreens enough space to spread out without running into each other.
The vibrant green needle-like leaves make Norway spruce suitable for rock gardens or foundation plantings. These dwarf evergreens are not picky about soil conditions and can tolerate cooler climates.
| Hardiness Zone | 3-7 |
| Mature Height | 4ft |
| Mature Spread | 4ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun exposure |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high moisture |
| Scientific Name | Picea abies ‘Pumila’ |
Creeping Juniper
Creeping junipers are dwarf evergreen shrubs that hail from North America. These small ornamental evergreens dwell along the mountain slopes or seashores due to their growth habit.
The ease of care allows creeping junipers to spread out fast without getting tall to block your entire yard. The ground cover traits make creeping junipers an excellent choice for rocky gardens and foundation plantings.
These dwarf evergreens also thrive in a range of soil conditions, including acidic soil. We recommend well-draining soil to avoid the waterlogged problem. They also come in blue-green or yellow varieties.
| Hardiness Zone | 4-9 |
| Mature Height | 1.5ft |
| Mature Spread | 10ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun exposure |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | Juniperus horizontalis |
Dwarf Korean Lilac
It is among the most beautiful small ornamental evergreen trees with numerous other attributes for landscaping small yards. The violet flower buds and purple blooms mark a bold statement in the front yard.
The flower fragrance helps attract beautiful butterflies and birds to the yard during the early spring. We recommend dwarf Korean lilac for accent, mass planting, screening, and general garden purposes.
Dwarf Korean lilac can grow up to five feet tall and spread out at the same distance wide. It has a maximum lifespan of 30 years and above. The evergreen shrub is also tolerant of urban pollution and the environment.
| Hardiness Zone | 3 |
| Mature Height | 5ft |
| Mature Spread | 5ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun exposure |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ |
Japanese Maple Tree
Japanese maple is my favorite small ornamental evergreen tree due to the vibrant foliage colors and canopy. These pygmy Japanese maple trees are suitable for landscaping due to the maximum height of five feet.
These slow-growing dwarf evergreen shrubs have a lifespan of 10-15years. They produce deep green foliages that are deeply dissected in summer and turn into brilliant red in autumn. We recommend planting dwarf Japanese maple in zone 5 to 8.
| Hardiness Zone | 5-8 |
| Mature Height | 8-12ft |
| Mature Spread | 8-12ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun exposure |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | Acer palmatum |
Dwarf Alberta Spruce
It is another popular type of dwarf evergreen tree suitable for flanking a front entrance in the yard. The dense foliages remain green all-year round to mark a bold statement in your garden or patio.
Dwarf Alberta spruce has a maximum height of 12 feet and is 4-5 ft wide. We recommend pruning to enhance fancy shapes and control their height. You can plant these small ornamental evergreen trees in containers or patios.
| Hardiness Zone | 2-7 |
| Mature Height | 12ft |
| Mature Spread | 4-5ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun exposure |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | Picea Glauca Albertiana ‘Conica’ |
Jack Dwarf Pear Tree
It is a heavy bloomer and has an upright oval form. The dwarf appearance makes it an excellent choice for small yards and planting below utility lines. The glossy leaves with hints of yellow, orange, and red make a bold statement.
The slow growth rate enhances the easy care routine among busy ornamental tree enthusiasts. Jack dwarf pear trees are also ideal for city or urban applications since they can tolerate the environment.
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 |
| Mature Height | 10-15ft |
| Mature Spread | 20ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sunlight |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Pyrus calleryana ‘Jaczam’ |
Small Mugo Pine Tree
This is a cute dwarf evergreen tree ideal for tight spaces or small yards. It is also a type of conifer that stays green all year round. Small mugo pine is also called dwarf mountain pines.
The dwarf Mugo pine has a maximum height of 3-5ft with short compact branches. It is an excellent choice for privacy screens and borders. Besides that, the ground cover traits help control erosion.
| Hardiness Zone | 2-8 |
| Mature Height | 3-5ft |
| Mature Spread | 2-5ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sunlight |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Pinus mugo |
Dwarf Balsam Fir Tree
It is one of the most popular small ornamental evergreen trees with a conical shape. The compact design makes dwarf balsam fir trees a great choice for small yards. The slow-growing habit makes them require minimal maintenance.
These compact dwarf trees are excellent for balcony, porch, and deck areas or containers. The beauty and fragrances (pine aroma) make these dwarf evergreens ideal for the front yard.
| Hardiness Zone | 3-6 |
| Mature Height | 1-2ft |
| Mature Spread | 1-2ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ |
Little Gem Dwarf Southern Magnolia
It is a dwarf tree with a maximum height of 20-25ft at maturity. The all-year-round dark green foliages with fragrant white blooms during warm months mark a bold statement in a small yard.
These dwarf ornamental evergreen trees are also suitable for borders to create a sound wind block. The dwarf southern magnolia thrives under full sun, and acidic and well-draining soil. Regular watering and pruning help foster healthy growth and control the height.
| Hardiness Zone | 2-7 |
| Mature Height | 20-25ft |
| Mature Spread | 15ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ |
Firebird Crabapple Tree
These are stellar small ornamental evergreen trees ideal for the spring gardens. The bright cloak of flowers offers a standing ovation for small and large yards. They also produce small fruits that attract birds and other wildlife.
Firebird crabapple can grow only about five feet tall and the canopy spreads out eight feet wide. These dwarf evergreens are suitable for foundation planting and fence or building.
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 |
| Mature Height | 5ft |
| Mature Spread | 8ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Malus sargentii |
Dwarf Scotch Pine Tree
It is also called a green penguin due to its unique conical shape. It is a dwarf hardy evergreen tree with all-year-round green needle-like leaves. Dwarf Scotch pine trees do not require regular pruning to maintain the conical shape.
A mature dwarf Scotch pine tree can reach 6ft only after many years. These compact trees are suitable for small and large yards. Besides that, these dwarf evergreen trees under 15 feet can tolerate cold temperatures.
| Hardiness Zone | 3-7 |
| Mature Height | 6ft |
| Mature Spread | 3ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sunlight |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Pinus sylvestris ‘Green Penguin |
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress Tree
It is a slow-growing small ornamental evergreen tree native to Japan. It comes in several beautiful dwarf cultivars that suit small yards or gardens. The ornamental appeal and foliages mark a bold statement.
Most hinoki cypress trees have an average height of 3-6ft and spread out 3ft wide. The soft feathery and dark green foliages make this miniature cypress stand out from other cultivars.
| Hardiness Zone | 5-8 |
| Mature Height | 3-6ft |
| Mature Spread | 3ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Chamaecyparis obtusa |
Dwarf Serbian Spruce Tree
This dwarf cultivar is an excellent choice for landscaping large or small gardens due to its compact growth design. The dwarf Serbian spruce has a maximum height of 5ft and the same spread-out distance.
The needle-like foliages have green and silver pigments to pop out of the yard. The dense foliages make dwarf Serbian spruce trees ideal for privacy screening without blocking the entire yard. This type of spruce tree can tolerate cold temperatures and full sunlight.
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 |
| Mature Height | 5ft |
| Mature Spread | 5ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | Picea omorika ‘Nana |
Upright Japanese Plum Jew
It is a small bushy coniferous tree with vertical branches and needle-like leaves. The V-shaped form and dense leaves make this ornamental evergreen tree suitable for providing privacy screening and wind block.
The upright and thin appearance makes this dwarf evergreen tree ideal for small gardens with limited space. These compact evergreen trees thrive in well-draining soil and full-partial sunlight.
| Hardiness Zone | 6-9 |
| Mature Height | 10ft |
| Mature Spread | 6ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Partial to full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ |
Chalet Swiss Stone Pine Tree
It is an ornamental slow-growing evergreen dwarf tree suitable for landscaping small and large gardens. The columnar shape and dense pine foliages will beautify your front yard and provide privacy screening.
Chalet Swiss stone pine trees thrive in well-draining loam soil and prefer full sunlight exposure. The Swiss stone pine cultivar can tolerate cold temperatures and urban pollution.
| Hardiness Zone | 3-7 |
| Mature Height | 20ft |
| Mature Spread | 8ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | Pinus cembra ‘Chalet’ |
Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper Tree
It is a narrow evergreen tree with an average height of 5ft and 1ft wide. The dwarf evergreen tree thrives in any soil type and tolerates cold temperatures. This compact tree is an excellent deal for foundation planting. The small accent space with attractive green foliages marks a bold statement in the front yard.
| Hardiness Zone | 3-8 |
| Mature Height | 5ft |
| Mature Spread | 1ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sunlight |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ |
Dwarf Japanese Black Pine Tree
This miniature evergreen tree is ideal for small gardens due to its elegant appeal. It has an average height of 4ft and a 10years lifespan. The vertical small branches give this miniature tree a narrow pyramid look.
| Hardiness Zone | 5-9 |
| Mature Height | 4ft |
| Mature Spread | 2ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate to high |
| Scientific Name | pinus thunbergii ‘kotobuki’ |
Green Arrow Weeping Alaska Cedar
It is a type of small ornamental evergreen tree that grows up to 20ft and spread out 1ft wide from its base. This type of cedar tree is ideal for gracing small gardens with tight space.
If you are looking to provide an excellent accent for landscaping, consider a green arrow weeping Alaska cedar tree. The drooping branches and dark green foliages will make your front yard stand out in the neighborhood.
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 |
| Mature Height | 20ft |
| Mature Spread | 1ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sunlight |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ |
Miniature Moss False Cypress Tree
It is a type of dwarf evergreen shrub with silvery foliages and limited growth ideal for landscaping. But we recommend miniature false cypress for border or bedding due to their limited growth.
The round global shape allows this dwarf evergreen to attain 1ft tall and spread out in the same distance. They are suitable for container gardening and creating an urban garden environment.
| Hardiness Zone | 4 |
| Mature Height | 1ft |
| Mature Spread | 1ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Squarrosa Minima’ |
Blue Weeping Colorado Spruce Tree
It is beautiful small evergreen spruce with silvery appeal for small gardens. These compact trees are also suitable for growing in containers. They grow fast to reach a maximum height of 10ft.
Potted blue weeping Colorado spruce trees experience restricts growth due to the root-bound issue. The silver-blue foliages that drop downwards give this spruce tree a compact appearance.
| Hardiness Zone | 2-8 |
| Mature Height | 10ft |
| Mature Spread | 4ft |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture Preference | Moderate |
| Scientific Name | Picea pungens ‘The Blues |
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