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Tree Suggestions

apcardyapcardy Posts: 19
in Plants
Morning All.
We have recently had a new patio area laid at the end of the garden and would like to put a tree in the corner next to the fence to add some height but can’t decide what to go for. The garden is north facing so the area at the end of the garden where it will go gets a lot of sun. It needs to be compact in terms of spread but height not too critical within reason. It would be good if it was evergreen but not essential. Looking for suggestions for what to go for please. 
The picture below indicates where we are thinking of putting it. 
Many thanks. 


Posts

  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    Silver birch would be my choice; it's light and airy, grows fairly quickly and is very good for wildlife. Lots of choices here; depends what you like.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Amelanchier is another easy tree which will suit. Sorbus [Mountain ash not Whitebeam] if the ground is reasonably moisture retentive. Lots of varieties of them, plus the beautiful native S. aucuparia. 

    Evergreens are more difficult. There are a few which might be ok where you are. There's one which many folk in the south recommend, but it's name escapes me - sorry. Perhaps others might be able to help with that. 
    Lots of shrubs can also be grown as small trees - Elder is one.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    As much as I love Sorbus, I wouldn't put one near a patio.  The berries drop for about three months, causing a mess when you step on them and the birds, who love them, create a mess too!  For evergreens, a Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis, or the Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, are worth considering as they can both be easily shaped and still look attractive! Neither is particularly messy.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If you don't mind something that is deciduous, a shrub with potentially tree like proportions like Cotinus would look good there.  I have Cotinus Grace which has tones of red, purple and orange, and also a lime green variety.  Both light up in sunshine, very attractive!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Good point @Plantminded - re the sorbus. Mine is a reasonable distance from seating areas. Not that I sit very often out there...
    Cotinus is a good shout. Philadelphus can be shaped into tree like proportions too, but it might be a bit too hot and sunny there for it. They're better with some shade. 

    Arbutus - that's one of the ones I couldn't remember.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    I wonder how much you'd like to spend...?

    I would also go with Silver Birch, in particular one called Betula jacquemontii 'Snow Queen'.. as it has a narrower habit, but a sparkling white trunk which would mirror your shiny white patio..

    If you have about £250 to spend, you can get one just the right size already, but cheaper options exist..

    For evergreen, at a price, Photinia 'Red Robin' can be had as a large Standard tree..
    Nothing comes cheap these days..

    Nice garden, I like your path very much, veering off right and left..
    East Anglia, England
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    Eucryphia x 'Nymansensis' springs to mind ; hardier than most people think , I've had one in my garden for around thirty-years in E.Lincolnshire . Evergreen too !
    Flowering time is around August and is a magnet for pollinators .

  • apcardyapcardy Posts: 19
    With thanks for all the great suggestions and advice the decision has now been made and implemented 😁. In the end we actually went for two trees, a Betula jacquemontii 'Snow Queen' in the corner and an Amelanchier ‘Rainbow Pillar’ a bit along the fence as a focal point at the end of the path. Looking forward to seeing them grow. 
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