If you are looking for some low maintenance trees to decorate your garden, then you have come to the right place! Even though it might seem like trees are hard to cultivate, they are sometimes easier to grow than small flowering plants.
Trees definitely give your garden some structure and finesse, and they are remarkably beautiful in the fall once the foliage starts turning yellow, orange, and red — they are even prettier than flowers in the blooming season!
It is important to take into consideration the climate in your area and the space available for trees to grow adequately (you should plant a small tree if you don’t have enough room in your garden).
Let’s take a look at some of the best trees to plant in your garden!
What Are The Best Low Maintenance Trees?
Whether you have a lot of free space in your garden and you are interested in low maintenance landscaping, or you are just trying to get some more privacy by planting low maintenance privacy trees, you should definitely consider some of the trees described below!
Read also: 20 Best Tall Potted Plants For Privacy And Their Care Guides
1. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Hybrids)
Crape Myrtle, also known as the “lilac of the South”, is a low maintenance evergreen tree that produces beautiful pink flowers and bright green foliage. These trees prefer growing in full sun and warm climates, though they can tolerate somewhat cold weather.
They need minimal watering. Some varieties of this tree are fast-growing. This tree tends to produce suckers, so you might need to prune it every now and then to maintain its shape.
2. Acers (Maple Trees)
These are slow-growing trees that might need a little more care when planted in pots. However, if they are planted in the ground they will basically look after themselves.
The most popular is the Japanese Maple tree, which produces flaming red leaves that never go unnoticed. The Japanese Maple tree, which can be grown both indoors and outdoors, perfectly captures Japanese aesthetics.
These red leaves are not always red – in the summer they produce green foliage, which turns scarlet as October approaches. These green leaves are also very beautiful and radiate harmony and peace.
They prefer growing in slightly acidic and well-drained soil, though they can tolerate different soil types. Maple trees thrive in moderate sunlight and warm temperatures.
Read also: 14 Japanese Indoor Plants That Portray Japanese Aesthetic
3. Magnolia
Magnolias are low maintenance shade trees that produce mesmerizing white and pink blossoms. Magnolias are one of the most gorgeous Chinese flowers in the entire world!
They can grow as evergreen or deciduous trees — there are numerous varieties that produce tulip-shaped or star-shaped flowers with different colors (Magnolia, which produces blue flowers, is truly amazing). These trees also prefer well-draining and acidic soil, and they need to be watered frequently.
Magnolia is also the perfect Zone 7 tree.
4. Acacia Aneura
Acacia Aneura provides year-round interest, especially with its needle-like and green foliage. In summer, these trees produce bright yellow flowers that are great for a pop of color in your garden.
These trees are native to Australia, and they can tolerate a lot of heat. These trees are also drought-tolerant and require minimal irrigation.
5. Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis)
If you are really into growing a pink garden, then immediately add the Western Redbud to your wishlist! This small tree produces magenta and pink flowers that start blooming in the early spring.
The Redbud tree is native to North America, and it is relatively easy to take care of. Once its root systems are established, they need minimal watering (once a week at the most). They can go long periods without water but still produce vibrant flowers!
6. Oregon Crab Apple (Malus Fusca)
Now, we are going to talk about a low-maintenance fruit tree!
The Oregon Crab Apple is a popular tree that is often grown in parks and gardens. Though primarily grown for ornamental purposes, their little white flowers turn into apples when pollinated.
This tree also produces dark green foliage that creates a gorgeous background for these lovely flowers.
It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers growing in sandy soil. You will have to be patient with this tree because it is not a fast grower — once fully matured, it can reach up to 40 feet in height!
7. Desert Willow Tree (Chilopsis-linearis)
The Desert Willow, otherwise known as Chilopsis-linearis, is a small tree that is native to the US and Mexico. This tree produces vibrant purple flowers in spring and summer, which attract hummingbirds and bees (they are great companion plants).
These trees are drought tolerant (they are not called Desert trees for no reason), and they can tolerate full sun and partial shade. They can survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them an excellent choice for gardens in colder regions.
8. Chitalpa Tashkentensis
The Chitalpa Tashkentensis is a medium-sized tree that produces lovely, bright purple flowers. It is a low-maintenance, fast growing tree that also produces long, deep green, and pointy leaves which blend perfectly with their flowers.
These trees thrive in the USDA hardiness zones 6 to 12.
The Red Yucca is a great companion to these trees, though they can also be grown for various ornamental purposes and alongside California lilacs.
9. Cornus Tree
Cornus trees, also known as Dogwood trees, are commonly grown because of their mesmerizing flowers and pretty berries!
There are a lot of Cornus tree varieties, though the most famous one would probably be the Cherokee Princess Dogwood tree, which is relatively easy to grow. With this tree variety, just a little water and light are all that is required to make your garden seem like something out of a fairy tale!
10. Western Sycamore (Platanus Racemosa)
This is one of the tallest trees on our low maintenance tree list!
The Western Sycamore, which is native to California, can grow up to 80 feet tall. It is popular because it provides a lot of shade in the summer and is a great option for water-wise landscaping in both public and private areas.
To Sum Up
When it comes to planting trees in your backyard, always take into consideration whether you have enough space, what the soil type is, and the climate in your region, because some trees might not be able to grow properly in temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
Avoid planting trees with invasive root systems because they can mess up the other plants in your garden and also affect nearby building foundations.
I hope that you enjoyed reading our low maintenance trees list, and that you have found something that suits your style!
Until next time!
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