When it comes to choosing trees to plant in your backyard, opting for native trees offers numerous benefits, including resilience to local conditions, support for native wildlife, and ease of maintenance.
When planting native trees in your Brisbane backyard, it’s essential to consider factors such as soil type, sunlight, exposure and available space. Before planting, take the time to research each species’ specific requirements and ensure they are compatible with your garden conditions.
Here are some top choices of small to medium native species that will thrive in the region’s climate and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.
1. Golden Penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus)
The Golden Penda is a great choice for Brisbane backyards. An evergreen tree, it has dark, glossy green leaves and puts on a beautiful display of vibrant yellow flowers in summer and autumn. Usually growing to a height of 8 – 15 metres, with dwarf varieties that grow to 3 metres, the Golden Penda prefers a warm, sub-tropical climate and deep, moist and well-drained soil.
Plant these trees in a full sun, to partially-shaded position. Water regularly during the establishment period and in dry weather and you can try applying a slow-release fertiliser twice a year.
2. Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus)
The Brush Box is a beautiful evergreen tree, native to the coastal regions of Queensland and New South Wales. With its glossy green leaves, unique bark and clusters of white flowers in spring and summer, the Brush Box is a popular pick for a striking addition to your backyard.
Known for its resilience, this tree is commonly used as a street tree and usually grows between 10 – 15 metres high.
The Brush Box prefers a sub-tropical climate, well drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and a full sun to partly shady position. After flowering, it produces woody capsules that split open and release seeds.
3. Honey Gem Grevillea (Grevillea banksia x pteridifolia)
The Honey Gem Grevillea is a large shrub that can grow up to 6 metres high and 5 metres wide and is a very popular choice in Brisbane gardens. Producing stunning golden-orange flowers in spring that last for most of the year, the Honey Gem is fantastic for attracting bees, butterflies and birds into your garden and is known for being tough and adaptable.
Preferring a sub-tropical climate, the honey gem is drought resistant, likes dry, well-drained soil and will thrive in a low maintenance garden. Plant in a sunny position and watch this beautiful shrub grow quickly.
4. Tulipwood Tree (Harpullia pendula)
The Tulipwood tree makes a fantastic addition to most suburban backyards. This tree is a hardy, fast-growing evergreen that will grow up to 10 metres in height. Considered to be an excellent shade tree, the Tulipwood produces large sprays of lightly fragrant, green-yellow flowers in summer, followed by orange fruit making it very attractive to local wildlife.
This tree can withstand a wide range of conditions, but will thrive best in a sunny position with well-draining soil.
5. Lemon Scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)
Lemon Scented Myrtle trees are a fantastic choice for South-East Qld gardens. Featuring lemon-scented leaves and flowers that can be used in both cooking and aromatherapy, this tree is both beautiful and fragrant. Growing up to 10 metres tall, the Lemon Scented Myrtle prefers a full sun to partial shade position with well-draining soil.
These trees are known for being relatively easy to maintain, requiring an occasional prune to keep their shape.
6. Ivory Curl Tree (Buckinghamia celsissima)
The Ivory Curl Tree is a beautiful tree, often used as a feature tree in backyards because of its stunning display of white flowers that will usually appear between spring and autumn, making it ideal for attracting bees, birds and butterflies. This tree prefers a full sun position with well drained, but moist soil, and usually grows up to 8 metres in height in suburban gardens. Considered to be a drought resistant tree, this is a great option for low maintenance gardens.
7. Weeping Lilly Pilly (Waterhousea floribunda)
This tree is a great option for a shade tree or for screening – however, considered a medium to large tree. Therefore, don’t plant this tree if you only have small space. Graceful and beautiful, the Weeping Lilly Pilly grows up to 10 metres in height and 8 metres in width and prefers a full sun to partly shady position.
Producing abundant, creamy white flowers in summer followed by pale pink berries, this tree will attract lots of local wildlife, is hardy and a great addition to a low-maintenance garden.
Caring For Native Trees In Brisbane
Choosing trees can be confusing. If you need help in choosing the best native trees for your backyard, ask your local Arborist for their expert advice on what will best suit you and your space, so you don’t end up with problems down the track.
For native tree care and maintenance in the Brisbane area, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We have been taking care of Brisbane trees for over forty years and provide a full range of professional tree services from tree removals to stump grinding and everything in-between. Whatever the tree issue – we’ve got the solution! Speak to our team today.