Trees: they give us spring blossom, summer fruit, the golds and reds of autumn and the greens of winter - not to mention shade, shelter and oxygen - so they’re pretty much an essential for any outdoor space. But what if your garden is a bit on the small side or you don’t have a garden at all?

The good news is that with more and more dwarf or naturally compact varieties becoming available, there’s a tree to suit even the smallest of spaces, and lots that can be grown in containers. Read our handy guide to seven of our favourites - in descending order of height - to help you choose.

1. Pyrus Chanticleer (Ornamental Pear)

Mature height: 5m

Why you need one: Covered in white blossom in Spring, with dark glossy foliage turning red in Autumn - bees and birds love it; so does the RHS - it’s an Award of Garden Merit winner.

Perfect for: Any small garden - Pyrus thrives in any soil, in an exposed or sheltered position.

Care: Minimal watering needed, generally pest-free. Pyrus prefers full sun.

2. Crabapple Jelly King

Mature height: 4m

Why you need one: Looks great all year round: white blossom in Spring, Orange fruits in Summer and bright Autumn colour. Probably the best tree you can plant for wildlife - and of course crabapple jelly! An RHS award winner.

Perfect for: Small or medium gardens. Crabapple can be pruned to any size.

Care: A very low maintenance, hardy tree which will thrive in all well drained soils, in sun or partial shade.

3. Rowan Pink Pagoda

Mature height: 3-5m

Why you need one: A wildlife magnet with unusual bright pink berries to feed the birds in winter. Year-round interest in a classically beautiful tree.

Perfect for: Small to medium gardens, areas of heavy pollution (it will absorb this), protection against evil spirits (according to folklore)

Care: Plant in full sun or partial shade, water during droughts and prune annually.

4. Apricot Flavourcot

Mature height: 3m

Why you need one: Sweet, juicy and aromatic apricots warm from the tree. Self fertile and easy to look after with good pest and disease resistance and no feeding required.

Perfect for: Small gardens or patio pots - this tree is available in a SJA Rootstock variety which grows to around 3m or as a patio version growing to 1.5m and suitable for growing in pots.

Care: Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and prune into shape when needed. Harvest the fruits in late summer.

5. Cherry Blossom Weeping Yoshino

Mature height: 2.5m

Why you need one: Every garden should have a Japanese cherry blossom (or Sakura) - this one explodes with white blossoms on elegantly draped branches.

Perfect for: Front gardens or smaller spaces

Care: Plant in a sunny spot away from strong winds - Yoshino thrives in any well-drained soil and needs little or no pruning.

6. Willow Flamingo

Mature height: 2m

Why you need one: Small and beautifully formed with pink foliage turning white, green and variegated in Summer, yellow catkins and red stems in Autumn - a real head turner and an RHS Award winner.

Perfect for: Showing off in the front garden

Care: Low maintenance: position in full sun and water well after planting.

7. Cherry Hartland

Mature height: 1.5m

Why you need one: Sweet, rich eating cherries fresh from the tree - maximum crops for minimum space.

Perfect for: Containers and pots on the patio, balcony or in the conservatory.

Care: Position in full sun and water regularly. Hartland will thrive in any soil except sandy and may need protection from birds. Harvest the cherries in July.