Thin trees are the answer to small gardens needing vertical accents, or a landscape in need of a few exclamation points. They are also great for narrow side yards, or a grouping planted to create privacy. Some you can use as scaffolding for less vigorous clematis, adding additional vertical interest when it blooms.

Skyrocket juniper ©2004

Purple leaf plum

This 2007 introduction from Monrovia, Crimson Pointe (TM) Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Crimson Point'), thought to be a sport of P. 'Newport', is the only columnar ornamental plum,. At a mature height of 25-30 feet tall and ten feet wide, the tree carries glossy, bronze leaves, which turn bronzy-green as they age. The typical white flowers add an additional interest in spring.

Pinus sylvestris 'Fastigiata'

Columnar Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris 'Fastigiata'), a slow growing conifer, checks in at a thin 4-6 feet wide while reaching 20 feet tall. A columnar pine with blue needles, it is a welcome relief from the over planted arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'). Under the weight of snow the branches may break. The slower growing Pinus 'Spaan's Fastigiate' is less likely to break from the same conditions.

Junipers

Junipers are another answer to the pencil thin tree. The three listed below bring us blue needles and are thin but stately, without the problem of breakage from snow loads. For full sun, all have deer resistance, are suitable for sea coast gardens, and are drought tolerant once established. They make excellent container plants. In the landscape, they can be used as hedges or planted as a single focal point.

Blue arrow juniper (Juniperus virginiana Blue Arrow') is an improved form of J. 'Skyrocket'. It may look anorexic growing only 2 feet wide; however, it is a tough plant growing to a height of 15 feet tall.

Growing only 2 to 3 feet wide, Prairie Pillar juniper (Juniperus virginiana 'Monbell') has silvery blue-green foliage and moderately grows to 20 feet tall.

Skyrocket juniper (Juniperus virginiana 'Skyrocket') is a fast grower to 15 to 20 feet tall, while keeping trim at 2 to 3 feet wide (right photograph).

Article by Debra Teachout-Teashon

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