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Tree suggestions

natalienapperxNwJAizpnatalienapperxNwJAizp Posts: 4
in Plants
Hi there!
I'm a beginner looking for some suggestions of what tree types to plant in my garden. It's a new build house which currently has no plants at all. We have two flower beds to fill - each about 3m x 1.5m. So looking for maybe 2-3 different trees to go at the back of each one. The next step will be to add some bushes/shrubs/plants/flowers but I want to start with the trees.
The garden isn't huge (10m x 15m) so we don't want enormous trees but a bit of height over time would be nice for a little more privacy. 
One of the beds gets full sunshine all day in summer and the other one gets a fair bit of sun but also has shade during parts of the day.
I would like a variety of leaf colours and maybe one or two that blossom.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions! We live in Oxfordshire in the UK if that helps at all.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm afraid 3 metres isn't big enough for three trees. They would simply become a hedge. One tree would be sufficient if you want to make the best of their foliage or fruit and autumn colour etc , and also to have enough space to put in other planting  :)

    Take a look at Sorbus [rowans not whitebeams] and Amelanchier. Some Prunus varieties are smaller too.
    Many fruit trees are on dwarf rootstocks, and therefore stay smaller - apples plums etc. 

    The most important thing in a new build property is to spend some time and money on the soil though, before you plant anything. Most new builds are notorious for being full of rubbish and very little decent soil, so loads of rotted manure [you can buy it bagged from GCs etc] and compost is beneficial, and this is a good time to do that   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Totally agree with Fairygirl, you don't have enough space for trees as such. Some shrubs can be grown as small or large shrubs, or be left to grow to full size as trees. The favourite in our garden is Sambucus Black Lace (an Elder tree). We let ours grow to about 10 feet tall, which provides delicate shade for our Arbour. It can be pruned hard to the ground every Spring, or left to grow to any height that suits us. It puts on at least one metre of growth every year.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I agree with the thoughts above from Fairygirl and KeenOnGreen.  There are many shrubs which will give you a tree like presence in your garden without the risk of becoming problematic.  I've used Grisselinia littoralis, Portuguese laurel and Bay to create an evergreen presence in my borders.

    You could also consider a fastigiate tree, developed to grow straight and columnar, but be careful to check the growing dimensions beforehand before you choose.  Here's a link which may help you:  Columnar or Fastigiate All Ornamental Trees (ornamental-trees.co.uk)  Some of the narrow conifers may suit you and I've often seen Prunus 'Amanogawa' recommended for small gardens but I haven't seen the tree myself.  I hope this helps.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • robairdmacraignilrobairdmacraignil Posts: 782
    I agree with what has been said already and small trees are the only option for beds that size. The option of dwarfing root stock fruit trees, amelanchier and purple leaf elderflower sound good to me and another small tree I like is the Fuji cherry. Euonymous alatus might also be an option and if it is somewhere fairly sheltered some of the Japanese acers might work.

    Happy gardening!
    https://www.youtube.com/user/sustainableveg/videos
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited January 2022
    Yes - lots of plants which are technically shrubs, can be grown as trees, and vice versa.
    Funnily enough, I also had the ornamental  Sambucus [elders] in my mind too. The dark ones are beautiful, but the golden variety - Sutherland's Gold, is less widely grown and is great for a shadier spot as the foliage brightens up the area.  :)

    Meant to say - @robairdmacraignil's suggestion of that Euonymous is an excellent one. A beautiful specimen tree  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • natalienapperxNwJAizpnatalienapperxNwJAizp Posts: 4
    Great, thankyou all so much for your suggestions and for taking the time to comment. As a clueless beginner, I really appreciate it. I've noted down all of your suggestions and will do some more research on them to decide what to buy! 😊
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