For most people living in townhomes with postage-stamp yards, apartments or condominiums the phrase we have embraced is Mies van der Rohe’s “Less is more.” For all of us, breeders around the world have been focusing on selecting trees to fit containers or the small back yard. Trees are becoming more versatile and therefore, useful. And heck, Father’s Day is Sunday, so why not consider buying dad a tree? Do we need any more reasons to think about these trees? Nope.

If we are thinking small — container small, that is — there are several Japanese maples that fit in containers. “Waterfall” is a pendulous slow-growing red-leaved maple. “Goshiki Kotohime” tops out at 6 feet. Perfect for the large container on the patio, this maple has tiny leaves that appear variegated in spring in cream, pink and red. As the summer rolls in, they green up and the turn orange-red for fall. This tree is hardy down to minus-5 degrees Fahrenheit. And one more for containers is “Red Pygmy.” Its finely dissected leaves contribute delicate, lacy texture from long separated segments reaching almost to the base of the leaf. With more sun, the leaf color deepens from burgundy to a deep purpley cabernet color. “Red Pygmy” may be small in stature, reaching only 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, but with that compelling color, it’s a giant.

“Viridis” with its bright chartreuse leaves take full sun or shade. This tree is dome shaped, and depending upon how high it’s grafted, can either appear to be a short (5 feet) mushroom-shaped tree or a mounding almost shrub-like form staying closer to the ground. The higher grafted specimens are generally more appealing, creating the illusion of a tree with that beautiful dome. It’s cultural versatility is matched by its beautiful dissected leaf and bright color; the vivid red fall foliage is breathtaking. “Viridis” is a winner “tall” or small.

“Ojishi” is suitable for bonsai culture. Named for the mythical lion in Japanese tales, its small leaves turn bronze-orange in fall, reminiscent of a lion’s mane. Great in containers, it’s easy to prune and train.

And, if you missed the “Hearts of Gold” Redbud (Cercis “Hearts of Gold”) released about five years ago, you will see it is stunning even without the blooms. A hybrid from our native Cercis canadensis, it has yellow — almost chartreuse leaves, and bright, tiny magenta redbud blooms in spring. It is altogether perfect in the small yard — only 20 feet tall in 10 years and about the same wide. Redbuds are easily pruned, however, so don’t let globose scare you.

That should get you started. Happy gardening!

Nancy Tom is a Redmond resident and environmental horticulturist.