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Potted 6-9ft tree suggestions

James MorrisJames Morris Posts: 3
in Garden design
Hello, I'm looking for suggestions for a tree that would be happy growing in a suitably large pot, as I can't plant it in the ground. It's to screen off the last view into our tiny garden from neighbouring houses so reasonably dense deciduous foliage at the top would be good (just need a trunk down below), and needs to be kept around 6-9ft tall, perhaps by pruning in winter? Finally, I try to keep everything in the garden as wildlife-friendly as possible, so a fruiting or native British tree would be perfect.

Sorry, I appreciate this is probably an impossibly long list of requirements, but if anyone has any suggestions I'd be very grateful!

Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906
    Hello James. If you want to have the  tree as a screen would it not be better to have an evergreen tree rather than a deciduous one? The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is a good choice for screening. An upright yew such as Standishii would do well. Small birds love the shelter and protection of evergreen trees so in that way they are wildlife friendly. My neighbour has a gigantic Leylandii in the front garden between mine and hers. I wouldn't miss it if it was chopped down but I have to say that watching all the birds that use it as a perch, a shelter, a song post and a nesting site makes me forgive it.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    If you want something that is bomb proof you could plant a eucalyptus gunnii. They grow quickly and can be kept with a bit of effort to your height. Nice and bushy as well. Just snip off the lower branches as it grows to get a trunk. 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • James MorrisJames Morris Posts: 3
    Thanks both for your suggestions, I'll look into them :-)
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I have grown a silver birch tree in a half barrel in the past. It seemed perfectly happy 
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    Bamboo would do the job.
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