Many of us have small gardens or restricted space in which to plant. This sometimes requires a bit of creativity and ingenuity in what we choose to grow so we can maximise the space available to us.

But, no matter how small your garden is, or how little space you have available, one plant you will be able to find space for is an acer tree. Hugely attractive, long lived, slow growing and with manageable heights these are the perfect trees for small gardens.

How big can acer trees grow?

Some acers can grow to well over 40 feet with a correspondingly large spread. On the face of it, acers don’t seem that suitable for small gardens. However, large acers are an exception rather than a rule and even those which grow the tallest will take decades to achieve their full height.

Happily, for those of us with restricted space for trees most acers will only grow to around six feet. Many are very suitable for small gardens and can be grown in containers if there is no space in the border.

You can read more about how to grow acers on our Ask the Expert page.

What makes an acer tree so good for a small space?

There are two main reasons why acers are so suitable for gardeners with restricted space. Firstly, and most importantly, as we mentioned above most acers or Japanese maples will only grow to around six feet.

There are also some very low growing acers which will only grow to around three feet in height but will have a very wide spread.

Even with a very small space most gardeners will be able to find room for at least one if not more acers.

Secondly, these trees are very slow growing. They take years to reach their full height and they won’t overpower any space.

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Apart from being slow growing and long lived small acers have even more going for them. They are of course outstandingly attractive trees. The rich colours and forms of their foliage gives a boost to any planting scheme.

They are both a focal point and a focus of conversion. They make wonderful features and will be the crowning glory in any garden. They look simply majestic.

Are acer trees easy to grow?

It’s fair to say that even the most novice gardeners should be able to achieve great success with acer trees.

They are very hardy trees but they will do best in a sheltered aspect. They don’t do well in very strong winds. For red and purple (variegated) varieties a position out of full sun will prevent their foliage from scorching.

Acers will be fine in most types of soil though will do best when there is a slight acidity in the soil. But don’t worry too much about the soil.

Maintenance wise acers are not very demanding. Keep them well watered in their first 6 -12 months but after that they’ll only need watering during hot and dry spells. The exception here is if you have planted your acer in a container. In that case water them regularly - once a day at least in very hot weather.

What are the best acer trees for small gardens?

In our nursery we always make sure we have a wide variety of acers available for our customers. Here are a few plants we’ve picked out which we think will be perfect for small gardens.

Acer palmatum dissectum Garnet

With this beautiful acer you'll see vibrant shades of red foliage right through until autumn. This tough little tree will grow in small gardens or pots and will only ever grow to a height of around two metres. If it becomes too large this plant is ideal for pruning to keep it smaller.

Plant in slightly acidic soil and enjoy deep lacy green leaves in spring followed by rich scarlet foliage through summer. It will thrive anywhere with partial shade. This is such an attractive tree. Plant this and you'll have the neighbours green with envy.

The plant you receive from us will be around two feet tall and will growing in a large 5 litre pot.

You can learn more about this tree here.

Jerre Schwartz Japanese Maple

Got a spare outdoor corner that's been crying out for bright, show stopping colours? This is the perfect plant for you. Few plants can beat these breath-taking colours that are right at home in a garden or pot. This UK hardy tree is fit for any type of garden setting - whether you choose to grow them in the border or a pot on its own (or both), you'll love how easy this tree will be for you to maintain.

These plants can grow up to five feet with arching branches that will offer shade while also framing your landscape perfectly. It is very bushy with wonderful bronze leaves. This tree will arrive at your door as an already established plant in a 5-litre pot.

You can learn more about this tree here.

Little Princess Japanese Maple

This is such a sweet and beautiful tree. You will get so much enjoyment from this plant; A compact bush, amazing autumn colours - you name it! If you've always wanted a low-maintenance tree that's easy to grow and looks amazing in the summer AND also drips with red leaves in autumn then look no further. This tree has got it all.

The compact shape of this bush means it fits in even the tiniest garden spaces. It's amazing foliage changes throughout the seasons. Red tinged young leaves in spring with a dark green colouring and then vibrant shades of gold-yellow in summer. Once autumn rolls around, its leaves change to an amazing deep red before dropping into winter dormancy - perfect for adding some autumnal charm to your small garden.

It will only grow to a maximum of around five feet so is perfect for containers as well as the border. Delivered to you as a 60cm tall tree growing in a five-litre pot.

You can learn more about this tree here.

Acer Prinz Handjery

Acer Prinz Handjery maple trees are perfect for patios. In the spring, bright pink leaves make a cheerful splash of colour that will keep you looking forward to the coming of summer. During the changing seasons, watch your Acer Prinz Handjery turn its leaves into different shades of brilliant red and orange in autumn before settling into winter.

This tree is fully hardy and incredibly easy to care for. This gorgeous maple would be an excellent addition to any garden or patio. Acer Prinz Handjery will give you years of beauty without the fuss. These spectacular trees can be planted in any soil but do particularly well in moist, well-drained sites. Plant them in a container on your patio and the pink beauty will provide you with yearlong enjoyment.

The tree you receive from us will already be five to six feet tall. We’ll ship it to you in a 7.5 litre pot all ready for planting.

You can learn more about this tree here.

Acer Palmatum Orange Dream

Beautiful Acer Palmatum Orange Dream is the perfect addition to any garden. Not only does its bright-coloured leaves change and turn from gold-orange in summer, to red and purple in Autumn making it a truly beautiful sight for your eyes to soak up; but it's also relatively easy to grow. This elegant tree can be planted pretty much anywhere. This tree is perfect for novice gardeners and is very low maintenance.

These trees can grow up to 7 feet tall but can be pruned to make them more manageable for even the smallest of gardens. It will thrive in conditions ranging from sun to semi-shade and in almost any soil. They can be grown in containers or the border.

The plant we send you will already be around two feet tall and very bushy. It will be supplied in a 5-litre pot.

You can learn more about this tree here.

We do stock many more acers in addition to the five we've highlighted above. You can see the full range by clicking here.