Small Yard? These 5 Compact Trees Pack Big Impact
- ATX Trees
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 23
Not every Central Texas property has room for sprawling live oaks. At ATX Trees & Land Development, we specialize in space-smart trees that deliver maximum impact for patios, townhomes, and small urban lots. Here are our top 5 recommendations that stay under 25 feet tall but offer big rewards.
1. Vitex (Chaste Tree) - $275
Why We Love It: ✔ Compact Size: 10-15' tall x 12' wide
✔ Summer Color: Lavender flower spikes June-September
✔ Drought Proof: Thrives with minimal water
Perfect For:
Courtyard focal points
Butterfly gardens
Sideyard accent
2. Desert Willow - $275
Why We Love It:
✔ Airy Canopy: 15-20' tall but only 10' wide
✔ Delicate Blooms: Orchid-like flowers in pink/white
✔ Texas-Tough: Handles heat and poor soil
Design Tip:Plant 3 in a staggered row for light screening
3. Yaupon Holly - $275
Why We Love It:
✔ Versatile Size: 15-25' tall (can be pruned shorter)
✔ Year-Round Interest: Evergreen + red winter berries
✔ Native Resilience: Pest-resistant and drought-adapted
Best Uses:
Narrow sideyards
Foundation planting
Privacy hedge (space 4' apart)
4. Crape Myrtle - $275
Why We Love It:
✔ Dwarf Varieties: 'Pocomoke' (8-10') or 'Acoma' (12-15')
✔ Four-Season Appeal:
Summer flowers
Fall color
Exfoliating winter bark
Pro Tip:Choose single-trunk for easier underplanting
5. Mexican Plum - $275
Why We Love It:
✔ Petite Stature: 15-20' tall
✔ Early Spring Blooms: White flowers in February
✔ Edible Fruit: Makes delicious jams
Bonus:Attracts pollinators when little else is blooming
Small Yard Design Tips
Space-Saving Strategies:
Multi-Trunk Specimens ($275): Create visual interest without width
Vertical Growth: Train trees like Brodie Cypress (narrow 8' width)
Underplant: Use drought-tolerant shrubs like Gregg's Mistflower
What to Avoid:
❌ Fast-growing weak-wooded trees (like Arizona Ash)
❌ Planting within 5' of foundations
❌ Overcrowding (remember mature size!)
Small Tree Special Offer
Buy 3+ Compact Trees = Get:
✔ Free Planting Consultation
✔ 10% Off Delivery
✔ Custom Spacing Guide
Visit Our Nurseries to See These Space-Savers:
📍 24250 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs
📍 2201 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs
📞 512-749-5149