Trees for small gardens.
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The short answer
In a small garden, choose a tree for its final size and its roots, not its size in the bag. Indigenous trees that stay small, and that SANBI describes as having gentle roots, are the safest choice near walls, paving and pools. Here are well-documented options, with a source for each.
Before you choose
- Measure the space. Note the distance to walls, the pool, paving, pipes and the neighbour's side.
- Look up. Check for roof overhangs and overhead lines.
- Read the final size. A tree's height and spread in ten years matter more than today.
- Check the roots. Pick trees described as having mild or non-aggressive roots for tight spots.
Small indigenous trees
| Tree | Size in a garden | Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Natal bauhinia (Bauhinia natalensis) | About 2.5 m tall, 3 m wide | Very mild; can grow against walls |
| Wild gardenia (Gardenia thunbergia) | 2 to 5 m | Not stated |
| White ironwood (Vepris lanceolata) | Mostly up to 5 m | Not very aggressive |
| Dune false currant (Allophylus natalensis) | Up to 5 m | Not stated |
| Pompon tree (Dais cotinifolia) | Up to 6 m | Not stated |
| Bell gardenia (Rothmannia globosa) | Usually 4 to 7 m | Not stated |
| False olive (Buddleja saligna) | 4 to 5 m; up to 10 m in warm, moist areas | Not aggressive |
| Coast silver oak (Brachylaena discolor) | 4 to 10 m | Non-invasive |
- Natal bauhinia grows naturally on the southern KZN coastal strip. SANBI says it reaches its mature size within a few years and needs little pruning. Frost makes it drop its leaves.
- Wild gardenia grows up the east coast to northern KZN. It is slow growing and needs little pruning.
- White ironwood is mostly a shrub or small tree in gardens and grows reasonably fast.
- Pompon tree has a rounded crown and pink flowers. SANBI says it reaches its full height in 4 to 5 years and flowers from about its second year.
- Bell gardenia is slender, with scented white bell flowers in early summer. SANBI says it is well suited to townhouse gardens.
- False olive is fast and makes a quick screen. On the warm, moist coast, allow for the bigger size.
- Coast silver oak is the biggest here, but takes pruning well, so it can be kept as a hedge.
“Not stated” means SANBI's page does not describe the roots. Give those trees a little more room from walls and pipes.
Near walls and pools
For tight spots, start with the trees whose roots SANBI describes as mild or non-aggressive: Natal bauhinia, white ironwood, false olive and coast silver oak. Even then, keep trees back from the pool edge so leaves and flowers do not fall straight in.
Trees to keep away from the house
- Figs. SANBI says that, as with most figs, the broom cluster fig (Ficus sur) should not be planted near buildings, paving, sewer lines or walls, because of its aggressive roots.
- Natal wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai). Its roots are aggressive, so keep it away from structures and paths. SANBI suggests a large pot in a small garden.
- Wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana). SANBI says not to plant it too close to walls, patios or pools, as its roots can be aggressive.
- Listed invaders. Some popular garden trees, like syringa and Brazilian pepper tree, are illegal to plant in KZN. See invasive trees in KZN.
Near the sea, also read trees for coastal gardens.
Questions
- What tree can I plant close to a wall?
- SANBI says Natal bauhinia has a very mild root system and can be grown against fences and walls. White ironwood and false olive are also described as not having aggressive roots.
- Which trees have roots that damage walls and paving?
- SANBI warns that most figs, the Natal wild banana and the wild olive have aggressive roots, and should be kept away from buildings, paving, walls and pools.
Sources
- Bauhinia natalensis (Natal bauhinia). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Gardenia thunbergia (wild gardenia). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Vepris lanceolata (white ironwood). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Allophylus natalensis (dune false currant). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Dais cotinifolia (pompon tree). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Rothmannia globosa (bell gardenia). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Buddleja saligna (false olive). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Brachylaena discolor (coast silver oak). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Ficus sur (broom cluster fig). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Strelitzia nicolai (Natal wild banana). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Olea europaea subsp. africana (wild olive). SANBI PlantZAfrica.
- Alien and Invasive Species Lists, 2020, Government Notice 1003, Gazette 43726. Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
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