10 Best Trees for Balconies

If you live in an apartment and you need a bit more greenery in your life, a balcony tree might be just what you need.

In this article I’ll share my tips for choosing the right tree for your balcony, how to prepare your soil, and tips for watering and fertilizing your tree.

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Benefits of balcony trees

Trees provide a number of benefits for apartment-dwellers including reducing noise pollution and helping to clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. 

In hot weather, trees can provide much-needed shade and they can even help to lower the temperature of your apartment. [1]

Trees also have the added benefit of providing privacy from neighboring apartments. 

If you’re looking for a way to improve your quality of life and make your balcony more enjoyable you should definitely consider growing a tree.

lemon tree on a balcony

10 Best Trees for Balconies

1. Citrus trees

Dwarf citrus trees are a great choice for balconies because they are small and compact, but they still produce full-sized fruit. 

If you live in a warm climate, lemon, lime, orange, and mandarin trees can all be grown on a balcony. 

Just make sure to choose a dwarf citrus variety that is specifically bred for containers.

RELATED: 11 Best Fruit Trees To Grow In Containers

citrus tree on a balcony

2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Dwarf Japanese Maple trees are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your balcony garden.

These slow-growing trees have beautiful foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow so they’re sure to add interest to your balcony.

RELATED: How To Keep Japanese Maple Trees Small

potted japanese maple tree

3. Fig tree (Ficus carica)

Fig trees are another great option for balconies because they can be grown in containers and produce delicious fruit. 

Figs come in many different varieties, so you can choose one that is best suited to your climate.

fig tree

4. Olive tree (Olea europaea)

If you live in a warm climate, consider growing an olive tree on your balcony. 

Olive trees can thrive in containers, making them a great choice for small spaces.

olive tree

5. Pomegranate tree (Punica granatum)

Pomegranate trees are a great choice for balcony gardens because they produce delicious fruit and require very little maintenance. 

Pomegranates are drought-tolerant and grow well in containers, making them a perfect option for those with limited space.

pomegranate tree

6. Camellia (Camellia sasanqua / Camellia japonica)

Camellias are beautiful flowering plants that add a touch of elegance to any balcony.

They grow best in partial shade and will need protection from strong afternoon sun, especially in warm climates.

camellia flower

7. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Azaleas are another type of flowering plant that are great for containers.

They come in a variety of colors and can brighten up any space. 

Azaleas are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for those with limited time.

Azalea

8. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Crape Myrtles are small deciduous trees that are perfect for balconies. 

They have beautiful flowers in a variety of colors, and their compact size makes them ideal for small spaces.

RELATED: 6 Beautiful Pink Flowering Trees

pink crape myrtle tree

9. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

Southern magnolias are a beautiful choice for any garden and they can also be grown on balconies, but they’ll need to be pruned regularly to keep them compact.

Magnolias are hardy trees and grow well in partial to full sun.

magnolia flower

10. Bay Laurel tree (Laurus nobilis)

The last tree on this list is the Bay Laurel, an evergreen tree with shiny green foliage.

The great thing about having a Bay Laurel tree is that you can pick the leaves and add them to soups and stews for a delicious aromatic flavor.

bay laurel tree

Choosing the right tree

Before you buy a tree for your balcony, there are a few things you need to consider. 

The first is the size of the tree and its root system. You’ll need to make sure that the tree you choose is appropriate for the size of your balcony. 

You also need to consider the amount of sunlight that your balcony receives. 

Some trees require more sunlight than others, so be sure to choose a tree that will thrive in the conditions you can provide.

tree on balcony

How to grow a potted tree on a balcony

The type of pot you choose for your tree is just as important as the tree itself. 

You’ll want to choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the roots of your tree, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to move. 

It’s a good idea to place the pot on a plant stand with wheels before you start filling it up with soil so that you can move it around easily.

You’ll also want to make sure that the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape. 

Once you’ve chosen the right tree and the pot, you can begin preparing your soil.

The best way to prepare your soil is to mix it with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure

This will help to improve drainage and aeration while also providing essential nutrients for your tree. 

citrus tree on a balcony

When it comes to watering your tree, the most important thing is to not over-water it. 

Make sure that you only water your tree when the top inch of soil is dry and be sure to check the drainage holes in your pot to make sure that they’re not blocked.

Fertilizing your tree is also important for optimal growth.

The best way to fertilize your tree is to use a slow-release fertilizer. That way you’ll only need to fertilize your tree once a year, in the spring.

small potted tree on a balcony

RELATED ARTICLES

Trees are a wonderful addition to any balcony, but they do require some extra care and attention. 

With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy all the benefits of a tree on your balcony and create a beautiful green oasis in the city.

Do you have any trees growing on your balcony? Let me know in the comments below.

Are you on Pinterest? I have boards dedicated to Urban Gardens and Gardening Tips that you may enjoy. You can also find me on Facebook.

balcony trees

Kelly Martin

Hi, I'm Kelly Martin, a landscape gardener and designer with over 10 years experience. I have a passion for small space gardening and I love designing and creating beautiful outdoor spaces that maximize the potential of small urban gardens. Read more