Dreaming of a slice of nature right in the city? The key to a successful urban landscape is choosing the right trees and shrubs. You need to consider the shape, foliage density, and colour before you plant.
Small trees with unique shapes can add elegance and value to your garden, even if space is limited. Many horticultural varieties are perfect for outdoor landscaping, transforming your yard into an inviting and one-of-a-kind space.
Tips for Planning Your Landscape
Before choosing your tree or shrub, make sure it's a good fit for the space you have. Good planning helps you avoid costly mistakes.
- Mature Size: Always check the mature height and width of the tree to ensure it won't outgrow its space.
- Sunlight: Consider the light needs of each plant (full sun, partial shade, shade) to choose the right spot in your garden.
- Location: Avoid planting too close to foundations, sidewalks, power lines, or underground pipes. Leave enough space for future root and branch growth.
- Hardiness: Make sure the tree or shrub you choose is suited to Quebec's hardiness zone.
Trees with Unique and Elegant Shapes
These trees are like living works of art, perfect for becoming the focal point of your landscape. They offer a distinctive charm that changes with the seasons.
- Caragana arborescens 'Pendula': Known for its weeping, drooping habit, it creates a graceful umbrella-like effect. Its silhouette adds a whimsical touch to any small garden.
- Morus alba 'Pendula': Nicknamed the weeping mulberry, it stands out with its thin branches that cascade like a waterfall of green foliage. This tree brings a lot of texture and movement to a space.
- Ginkgo biloba: This majestic tree is a living fossil that features fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall. Its columnar habit fits perfectly in narrow yards.
Trees and Shrubs for Spectacular Blooms
Add colour and delicate scents to your garden with these varieties that offer generous blooms in spring and summer.
- Malus 'Sargentii': This dwarf crabapple is covered in beautiful white blossoms in the spring. It also produces decorative red fruit that attracts birds in the fall.
- Spiraea 'Rainbow Fizz': This low-maintenance shrub brightens up the garden with its pink flowers and colourful foliage, which changes from yellow to orange throughout the season.
- Syringa 'Palabin': A compact and hardy lilac that is covered in fragrant purplish-pink flowers in the spring. It's ideal for small spaces and offers a captivating scent.
- Syringa 'Sensation': This unique lilac produces clusters of two-toned purple and white flowers. It's a true garden highlight, with a sweet fragrance and an incomparable visual appeal.
- Magnolia 'Stellata': This shrub magnolia is known for its spectacular spring bloom of star-shaped white flowers. It adds a touch of sophistication to the garden even before the leaves appear.
Trees with an Elegant Habit and Remarkable Foliage
These varieties are chosen for their columnar habit or textured foliage, offering structure and visual interest that lasts all season.
- Acer 'Rubrum': A maple that offers magnificent scarlet red colour in the fall. Its habit adapts to many types of landscapes and is highly valued for its striking beauty.
- Quercus 'Fastigiata': This oak is an excellent option for small yards due to its narrow, columnar habit. It adds vertical elegance and impressive structure without taking up too much space.
- Sorbus 'Thuringiaca': Nicknamed the mountain ash, this tree has an elegant, conical shape. It stands out with its dark green foliage that turns orange-red in the fall.
- Gleditsia 'Sunburst': Ideal for small gardens, this honey locust stands out with its bright golden foliage. Its fine leaves add a delicate texture and vibrant colour to your landscape.
When to Plant Your Trees and Shrubs
The time of planting is crucial for the success of your project! In Quebec, the ideal periods are **spring** and **fall**.
- In the spring: Once the ground has thawed and is workable, it's the perfect time. Your tree will have the whole growing season ahead of it to establish itself firmly before winter.
- In the fall: Plant from the end of summer until late October. The tree can then focus its energy on developing its roots without having to endure the summer heat, which reduces its stress.
How to Plant and Care for Your Trees
Once you've chosen the right location, follow these simple steps to ensure healthy and vigorous growth for your new tree.
- Dig a hole: It should be two to three times wider than the root ball, and just as deep.
- Prepare the soil: Mix your garden soil with compost to enrich it and give your plant a good start.
- Place the tree: Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the centre of the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Fill the hole: Fill the hole with the soil and compost mixture, tamping lightly.
- Water: Water generously to properly settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Continue to water regularly, especially during the first year.
- Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch at the base of the tree to retain moisture and protect the roots.
Choosing and planting the right tree can transform a small yard into a true haven of peace. By following these tips, you can create a unique landscape that will evolve over time and bring you great satisfaction.
