I prize my dwarf globe spruce and my dwarf weeping caragana tree. Many evergreen and broadleaf trees are lovely when small, but as they mature, small yards are dwarfed and the architectural features of houses are engulfed.
One way to avoid this problem and help keep all the elements of your landscape in proportion is to plant some of the dwarf conifers or broadleaf trees that are available in today’s nurseries.
Centuries ago, the Japanese sought and preserved the small and unusual varieties that occasionally appeared among trees. Their object was to create representations of natural scenes within their gardens. Today, as lot sizes become smaller, dwarf trees are often more in scale with our landscapes.
Dwarf trees are also low maintenance; most grow no more than a few inches per year. Some grow not more than 1/4 of an inch per year. This is because dwarfing characteristics alter the plants’ growth rate. But keep in mind that ‘dwarf’ is a relative term and does not necessarily mean miniature. One caution with dwarf trees is that planting in fertile soil will stimulate the growth of the tree.
Plants with good color and those with satisfactory annual growth do not need fertilization, thus reducing costs. A surface application of organic matter, such as shredded bark or leaf mold, will usually provide an adequate source of nutrients. Dwarf trees tend to be expensive because they are difficult to propagate and are uncommon. But most are very attractive, and the time saved on pruning alone makes up for the added cost. W hat are some possibilities in dwarf species? Some listed in literature include: Japanese red pine, Little Gem Norway spruce, Globe-shaped false cypress, dwarf white pine, dwarf Alberta spruce, Fat Albert blue spruce, Yellow mugo pine, and weeping European larch. Make sure the species you are looking at tolerates our temperature zones and is adaptive to Nebraska’s climate.
For more information on landscape trees stop by the Master Gardener Library at the Lifelong Learning Center. We also have on hand University of Nebraska NebGuides on over 500 horticulture topics.
Chris Carlson, Extension Educator, March 2003
