Small vs. Large Trees: Which Size Is Best for Your Project?

Our young trees often surprise some of our customers. Smaller, sometimes even perceived as “fragile.” This reaction is entirely understandable. After all, we often associate plant size with vigour or chances of success.

But in horticulture, appearances can be misleading.

Behind these more modest formats lie unexpected advantages: better establishment, faster adaptation to site conditions, and deeper root development. On the other hand, larger formats, while more impressive at planting time, come with their own set of challenges.

So, should you choose a smaller plant… or invest in a larger one? In this article, we aim to dispel common misconceptions and help you make an informed decision based on your site and expectations.

Understanding Tree and Shrub Sizes

Small Tree Sizes

Smaller sizes refer to young plants that have experienced only one growing season in the nursery.

• They are sold in plugs, trays, or small containers.
• Depending on the species, they typically measure between 20 and 40 cm (8 to 16 in) in height.

Larger Tree Sizes

Larger trees and shrubs are grown for two years or more in the nursery before being sold.

• They are offered in 1 to 7 gallon pots, and sometimes larger.
• They are older and more developed at the time of purchase.

Caliper Trees

Caliper trees represent the most mature sizes. Unlike container-grown plants, these trees are first grown in the field for several years (4 years or more) to promote trunk and structural development. They are classified based on trunk circumference measured 15 cm (6 in) above ground.

Once they reach the desired size, they are mechanically dug with a root ball (roots are cut in the process), then placed in containers or wire baskets for transport and planting.

Why Is There Such a Price Difference?

The longer a plant is grown, the more care, space, and handling it requires in the nursery. Watering, fertilization, pruning, repotting, long-term space use, and transportation all influence the final cost. In other words, a larger size represents several additional years of production and maintenance. This explains the price differences between trees of the same species in different sizes.

Benefits of Smaller Trees and Shrubs

Faster Adaptation

• Young roots establish more quickly.
• Over time, trees planted young often develop deeper root systems.
• They experience less transplant shock.
• They adapt more easily to their new environment.

Surprisingly Strong Growth

• Many species can catch up to larger planted specimens.
• After a few years, young plants may even show greater vigour.

More Affordable

This is another key advantage: their cost is significantly lower, allowing you to plant more.

They are especially suitable for:

• hedges;
• large properties;
• naturalization projects;
• riparian plantings.

Easier to Transport and Plant

• Lighter and easier to handle;
• Easier to transport in smaller vehicles;
• Require less equipment;
• Can be planted in hard-to-access areas;
• Require smaller planting holes, reducing labour and effort.

Drawback of Smaller Plants:

They require more patience before achieving the desired landscape effect.

Benefits of Larger Trees and Shrubs

Immediate Visual Impact

• Greater height at planting time;
• Faster privacy;
• More finished look from the start.

Useful in Certain Contexts

• Large-scale real estate projects;
• Highly visible landscape designs;
• When immediate impact is desired.

Earlier Flowering or Fruiting

Some species only flower or produce fruit after several years. Older plants may provide these benefits sooner.

Better for Slow-Growing Species

Some species naturally grow slowly. In such cases, a larger size can help save time.

Drawbacks of Larger Trees

• Require more water in the first years;
• Experience greater transplant stress;
• Take longer to establish;
• Require more careful handling;
• May require heavy equipment;
• Are more expensive to transport.

Small vs. Large Trees: Which Grows Better Long-Term?

At first glance, larger trees seem advantageous because they provide an immediate landscape effect. However, many horticultural observations show that younger trees can catch up—or even surpass—more mature ones after a few years in the ground. Smaller plants experience less transplant stress, and their young roots adapt more naturally to surrounding soil conditions.

For field-grown caliper trees, roots are cut during harvesting. As a result, they may take 3 to 4 growing seasons to recover from transplant shock, giving younger plants the opportunity to catch up over time.

Of course, there is no absolute rule. Growth and establishment depend on several factors:

• species selection;
• soil quality;
• sun exposure;
• watering;
• care during the establishment phase.

Regardless of size, it remains essential to choose the right tree for your site, plant it properly, and provide proper care during the first years.

A tree well adapted to its environment will almost always perform better in the long run, regardless of its size at planting.

How Long Until My Tree Becomes Large?

The time required for a tree to become large depends on its growth rate. Fast-growing species can reach 3 m (10 ft) in as little as 4 years, while slower species may take twice as long.

Here are a few examples based on average growth rates once established:

*Growth rates vary depending on species, site conditions, watering, soil type, sunlight, and care during establishment.

What About Cedars?

Cedar is a moderate to slow-growing species, typically growing about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) per year under good conditions. A 1.5 m (5 ft) cedar purchased in a nursery represents approximately 4 to 5 years of cultivation.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Project?

Before choosing a size, consider your goals, budget, and the time you are willing to allow for establishment.

Choose Smaller Plants If:

• you have a limited budget;
• you are planting multiple trees (hedges, windbreaks, reforestation);
• you enjoy watching plants grow;
• you are working on an ecological or naturalized project.

Photo credit: Hedgesonline.com

Choose Larger Plants If:

• you want immediate impact;
• you are landscaping a new property;
• you want quick privacy;
• you prefer a more mature look at planting time.

Conclusion

Producing smaller trees aligns with a sustainable approach to horticulture.

• Their production and transport require fewer resources (short production cycles, less fertilizer, less substrate, reusable containers, minimal heavy machinery), reducing their initial environmental footprint.
• Once planted, these young trees establish more easily, develop better-adapted root systems, and ultimately require less watering and intervention.
• This adaptability promotes balanced growth and gradual integration into the existing ecosystem.

Over the tree’s life cycle, these factors contribute to more efficient resource use and more sustainable planting practices.

That said, we want to emphasize that any tree you plant—whether small or more mature—is a long-term investment in your landscape, biodiversity, temperature regulation, and future generations.

Article written by Suzanne Simard, horticultural writer and horticulture technologist, and Audrey Rondeau, Biol., M. Env., Director of Production and Development, Pépinière Vert Forêt.

References

Hydro-Québec. (2010). Ornamental Trees and Shrubs Guide (4th edition).

Portail UVED. (2023). Impacts of pruning and transplanting on tree roots. Page accessed on May 16, 2026