You can usually make a reasonable judgement about this by comparing the height and spread dimensions quoted in books, online and by various suppliers - they are usually quite accurate. As @Fairygirl says though, your soil, aspect, climate and watering and feeding will influence the final dimensions.
The quality of the actual tree purchased is probably the most important factor. I'd advise you to check the credentials of the supplier before you buy. Even better, try to visit a specialist tree nursery to inspect their stock and satisfy yourself with the look and quality of the tree and how it is presented.
I always think these Medlars in this courtyard garden by Bunny Guinness look good. They're planted in large terracotta pots with the bottoms cut out, half sunk into the ground. That may somewhat restrict their size (not that they get very big, at least not for a long time), and gives them a few inches extra height. May help protect paving too, as the roots are directed lower.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
An alternative to that 'rather pricey' solution [ ] would be to remove some paving, but put an edging in round the space. That would also give scope for a greater volume of soil. The height of the edging would be dependent on how much more depth is required, especially if there's concrete or hardcore etc under the paving and the soil is poor, and the type of edging used.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
So helpful. Thank you. So I’m going to be removing some paving and the new paving will be notched out and I’ll have a new 1.6 x 2.4m ‘bed’ to play with…
If it were my garden, for all that those birches are lovely, I wouldn't go down this route. For a patio you want something well-behaved, and birches have questing roots that dig everything up in their route to water.
At the same time you want a focal point which will always give you more pleasure than pain. How about Acer griseum? The bark will always look amazing; the young foliage is brilliant red, and so is the autumn colour.
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The quality of the actual tree purchased is probably the most important factor. I'd advise you to check the credentials of the supplier before you buy. Even better, try to visit a specialist tree nursery to inspect their stock and satisfy yourself with the look and quality of the tree and how it is presented.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I always think these Medlars in this courtyard garden by Bunny Guinness look good. They're planted in large terracotta pots with the bottoms cut out, half sunk into the ground. That may somewhat restrict their size (not that they get very big, at least not for a long time), and gives them a few inches extra height. May help protect paving too, as the roots are directed lower.
The height of the edging would be dependent on how much more depth is required, especially if there's concrete or hardcore etc under the paving and the soil is poor, and the type of edging used.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
At the same time you want a focal point which will always give you more pleasure than pain. How about Acer griseum? The bark will always look amazing; the young foliage is brilliant red, and so is the autumn colour.