If visual impact is what you’re after then look no further than the silver birch. The distinctive white bark makes it stand out throughout the year, adding colour and texture even when the tree has lost its leaves in winter.

They work nicely in a smaller garden too as they are not too heavy or imposing and in the warmer months you’ll get a nice canopy from its delicate green foliage, providing useful shade (something to consider when deciding where to position it).

If placed in a smaller garden, choose a suitably sized variety and think about the eventual height and spread before planting. You don't want a tree that eventually blocks out large amounts of sunlight from your garden or home.

A sunny or lightly shaded position and well-drained soil will provide the best environment for planting. Once established, they are relatively easy to care for, making them a good option for gardeners looking for a tree that can largely be left to get on with things.

If you want a tree that’s low maintenance and changes with every season, look no further than an amelanchier.

Also known as Juneberry or snowy mespilus, amelanchiers are relatively small trees that are particularly well suited to gardens where space is limited. They have a naturally attractive shape meaning they don't require heavy pruning, making them a useful low-maintenance choice.

In spring, the branches will treat you with a delicate white blossom, as the flowers fade, fresh green foliage takes over, before changing colour in autumn to a vivid orange, red and yellow.

Some varieties can also produce small berries following flowering, providing an additional food source for wildlife.

Amelanchier will thrive when planted in a sunny or partially shaded spot with reasonably well-drained soil. Once established it should require relatively little intervention.

If Mediterranean character is what you’re after, an olive tree can make a fantastic focal point.

Featuring silvery-green foliage and gnarled stems, olive trees have a distinctive appearance that will give an outdoor space a more contemporary feel. 

Being Mediterranean they have a high tolerance of dry conditions once established. Olive trees are naturally adapted to hot, sunny climates and generally prefer their roots not to sit in wet soil.

This makes them a particularly good choice for a sunny, sheltered position.

They can also be planted in a large container if ground space is limited, useful for patios, courtyards and smaller gardens, while also giving you more control over the eventual size of the tree.

If planting in a pot, choose one with good drainage and use a free-draining growing medium. Container-grown olive trees will need more attention to watering than established trees planted in the ground, particularly during hot weather, but they can otherwise be relatively straightforward to look after.

A multi-stemmed Cornus, or dogwood is a great choice for adding seasonal colour.

Certain varieties offer attractive foliage that flower in the warmer months with vivid reds, oranges and yellows whilst also producing attractive stems in winter. 

Give them the best chance of wowing your garden by planting in a sunny or partially shaded position with moist but well drained soil. 

They are of course low maintenance too, with some varieties only needing occasional pruning.

Sometimes you want a tree that has beautiful foliage, not dramatic flowers. If that’s the case, a Japanese maple is for you.

They particularly impress in autumn where their delicate leaves can range from fresh green, right through to deep red and purple.

They can be well suited for smaller gardens and create a sculptural feature rather than dominating the space. 

Planting in a sheltered position away from strong winds is recommended, away from intense sun if possible. Make sure that the soil is moist but well drained also.

No heavy duty pruning is required here either, In fact, their natural shape is often part of their appeal.

If you are looking for something more traditional then a multi-stem hawthorn could be the one for you.

Hawthorns are great at encouraging wildlife and are very good at coping with all sorts of weather conditions. Come spring, you'll be treated with some lovely blossoms, whilst during the later part of the year you'll be greeted with red berries that are great for birds. 

Once established, there’s very little to do with a hawthorn, making it extremely low maintenance.

All the multi-stem trees we've mentioned in this article are low maintenance, but which one is the best for you will be down to a number of things, such as the space available and your garden conditions, soil moisture, light etc. These are the most important things to consider before making a purchase.

It's worth also thinking about what you actually want to achieve with your multi-stem tree. Silver birch or Cornus are good options for year round structure, whereas an amelanchier or Japanese maple could be more suitable if you want seasonal colour. And let’s not forget the olive tree if you're looking for a contemporary, Mediterranean feel.

Do keep in mind what the eventual height and spread of each of these trees will be before planting, especially if you are in a small space, as even the most compact of trees will grow over time.

Implemented correctly and chosen wisely, a multi-stem tree can transform your garden without adding a ton of work to your to do list. 

What could be better than that?