14 Gorgeous Small Tree Varieties To Instantly Elevate Your Curb Appeal

Elevating your property's curb appeal is never a bad idea. One simple but creative idea that can increase it? Planting a small tree in your yard. When done right, landscaping is a pro-approved strategy for transforming a drab front lawn into one that looks lush and inviting.

In general, tree size is an important consideration when planning a home landscaping project. Compact trees under 30 feet tall are great for smaller yards since they're more proportionate in size. They're also a good option for anyone who lives in area with frequent hurricanes, tornados, or heavy rain storms who wants to avoid planting a larger tree that could get uprooted and cause substantial property damage. Since they're naturally petite in stature, most small trees will reach their maximum height sooner than sky-high ones. Keep reading to learn more about 14 different types of compact trees you can grow yourself that will look gorgeous and instantly up your home's curb appeal.

Perfect for fans of the color pink, Eastern redbud (Cersis canadensis) is one tree you can plant for delicate early spring blooms that will give way to gorgeous spring and summer foliage. It's hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9 and native to North America, making it a good pick for anyone who wants to support their local ecosystem. Eastern redbud grows at a fairly fast rate and can reach up to 20 to 30 feet in height once mature. It's not the smallest tree on this list, but it's certainly more petite than many others.

Another solid option for fans of pink is crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), nicknamed the lilac of the South. Naturally drought-resistant, this tree flowers from summer to early fall and features sleek bark that's attractive even when it isn't in bloom anymore. Its mature height runs the gamut depending on the variation: Some crepe myrtle trees can reach up to 20 feet tall, while others won't exceed 15 feet. Across the board, this tree is hardy in Zones 6 through 10.

Looking to turn your front yard in a safe haven for birds? Consider planting American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), a U.S. native tree that will make your yard a bird-friendly escape. This majestic, slow-growing hardwood tree does best in Zones 3 through 9. Its delicate catkins and verdant branches are pretty to look at and beloved by pollinators. At maximum, American hornbeam trees can reach between 20 to 30 feet tall.

An enduringly popular pick for flowering trees, saucer magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana) are perfect for anyone who wants to add a romantic touch to their front lawn. These trees boast elegant, saucer-shaped flowers that pop with vibrant color in the spring. This tree thrives in wet conditions and will send up new branches and shoots year after year. You'll have the best luck growing this tree in sun-drenched spots within Zones 5 through 9.

Crabapple trees (Malus sylvestrus) are another U.S. native option that will attract pollinators in spades. Their red, white, or pink blossoms appear in the spring; come fall, their branches are full of their namesake fruits. Crapapples are generally hardy in Zones 4 through 8. Their height can vary pretty widely, though — depending on what you're looking for, be sure to select a variety that's small or medium in size, such as Malus 'Camelot', which won't grow any taller than 10 feet high.

Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) is a shrub that's native to Japan and best known for its fragrant white summer blooms. It's hardy in Zones 3 through 7 and will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. In general, Japanese tree lilac grows between 20 to 30 feet tall. For maximum blooms, be sure to plant yours in a sun-drenched site that has plenty of air circulation.

Another tree that's native to Japan, eye-catching umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) could make a big impact on the curb appeal of your front yard. This hardy, pyramid-shaped conifer can reach up to 30 feet in height, thrives in Zones 5 through 8, and isn't fussy about soil or light conditions; however, it's not ideal for gardeners who want to see rapid growth. That said, if you're patient, this slow-growing, pest-resistant tree will morph into a real show-stopper over the years.

Topping out between 12 and 18 feet tall, box leaf azara (Azara microphylla) is one of the shorter selections on this list, but make no mistake: It's still a stunner. It's also the perfect tree to plant if you're looking for something that will add visual interest to your yard in the dead of winter. This evergreen tree boasts dappled foliage and tiny, swell-smelling yellow blossoms that arrive like clockwork in January and February. It's only hardy in Zones 7 through 9, though, so do your research before growing it.

Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum) are super popular, and for good reason: Their distinctive foliage that changes colors with the seasons is absolutely beautiful to behold. Native to Asia, these trees do best in Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. Most max out somewhere between 10 to 25 feet tall, though there are some dwarf varieties of Japanese maple trees that are even smaller. Try Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki', which grows between 15 to 25 feet tall, for a fast-growing option that will look gorgeous in your yard for years.

Resilient but delicately flowered, serviceberry trees (Amelanchier spp.) are an excellent pick for gardeners who want an easy-to-grow tree that's still pretty to look at. Typically hardy in Zones 4 through 9, they're native to the U.S. and can reach anywhere between 15 to 30 feet in height. Serviceberry trees offer visual appeal year-round, sporting dainty white flowers in the spring and color-changing foliage in the fall. Their namesake berries are edible and ripe for picking in the summer.

In the market for a tree that will beautify your front lawn with springtime blooms? Look no further than dogwood (Cornus spp.), a compact tree that's beautiful and easy to care for. While they're best known for their stunning flowers, they also feature pretty foliage that heightens their visual appeal in late summer and fall. Dogwood is suitable for Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, grows at a moderate rate, and needs some protection from hot summer sunshine. Their mature height can vary — when planted in sunny spots, these trees grow shorter, maxing out between 15 and 20 feet tall.

Southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) are another variety of this time-tested flowering tree that's native to the southeastern U.S. These austere evergreens boast lush, emerald green leaves and creamy white flowers that bloom between late spring and early summer. You'll have the easiest time planting Southern magnolias in Hardiness Zones 6 through 10. They grow fairly fast, and cultivars like 'Kay Parris' top out a mature height of up to 20 feet tall.

Flowering cherry (Prunus serrulata), also known as a cherry blossom tree, is a total knockout for springtime blooms. Native to Asia, these trees are generally hardy in Zones 5 through 9, though not always — certain varieties are more fussy about their growing conditions. They can reach a range of heights, too. Some subspecies, such as 'Shirotae,' are more petite and better for small gardens or yards. Plant them for fragrant, eye-catching white blooms that will add a special touch to your front lawn.

Japanese camellias (Camellia japonica) can be fussy pink shrubs, but for seasoned gardeners, their stunning blooms might just be worth the stress. Hardy in Zones 7 through 9, this evergreen plant can work as a shrub or a small tree that grows up to 20 feet tall. Its elegant flowers bloom between late winter and early spring and come in a variety of colors. Prolonged exposure to harsh afternoon sunlight can be detrimental to Japanese camellias, so plant yours somewhere shady and water it diligently.