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Tree, for planting near house

lavenderfairy79lavenderfairy79 Posts: 5
in Plants
Hello,

I currently have a prunus betula in my front garden (newish home, 4 years old, planted by the developers). This is looking a bit worse for wear so it was recently topped and we will see how it fares next spring.

But in the meantime, I'd like to have a back up plan ready. 

Could anybody suggest a small to medium sized tree, that is safe to plant close to a house please? 

It's to go in a small front garden, which is on a corner so not sheltered and open to winds from 3 angles! Also gets the sun in the morning and partial sun in the afternoons. 

Deciduous or evergreen and the hardier the better!

Many thanks for your time :) 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    How close to the house do you mean?
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • lavenderfairy79lavenderfairy79 Posts: 5
    It's about 2 metres away at the minute, I can't go any further so was looking to put in same spot, if the betula pendula doesn't pull through :) 
  • lavenderfairy79lavenderfairy79 Posts: 5
    Error in my first post, it's def a betula pendula, no idea where prunus betula came from!!!! 
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    The rough rule of thumb these days I believe is not to plant a tree any closer to a building than it's mature height. Seeing as though we have some 15 metre high ones about 3 metres from the house which were planted, we think, about 48 years ago, I'm not sure everybody should follow that rule.
    That said, it would be sensible to perhaps consider a large shrub instead if it's only a small space. 
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited July 2021
    Betulas become very large. I wouldn't want that so close to my house. Constantly pruning them leaves them looking dreadful in most instances too.
    I think I'd agree with @Lizzie27 here. Shrubs can often be 'tree like' if you choose carefully. Some of the ornamental Elders for example, or Philadelphus.  Amelanchiers are technically shrubs, but are grown as small trees in most gardens. The spindle tree Euonymous alata is very attractive , especially in autumn, and doesn't get huge. 6 feet isn't a very large distance, and you'd need to consider the spread, and whether it interferes with access to doors or windows etc. 

    If we were to remove all the trees that were closer than about 30 feet from houses, there would be no trees round here at all. Many of them are very large, mature ash, beech, pine etc. However, the big problem nowadays is insurance companies, who can increase premiums for the slightest reason - trees within about 20 or 30 feet of a property being one of the main ones. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FlyDragonFlyDragon Posts: 834
    What about a smaller magnolia?  I have a stellata in my front garden about 4 metres from the house, can be a shrub or a small tree. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A Stellata would be lovely @FlyDragon  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • lavenderfairy79lavenderfairy79 Posts: 5
    Ah, some great comments, I will Google these suggestions, thank you :)

    I assumed the betula pendula would be a safe tree to have close to a house as the developers planted it, having said that, I guess by the time it starts causing problems they won't be liable will they!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I see all sorts of trees planted in new estates round here. Many of them are really unsuitable, but I suppose it makes the place look nice when they're all shiny and new  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • lavenderfairy79lavenderfairy79 Posts: 5
    Sly dogs aren't they :#
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