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Tree advice

I_clishI_clish Posts: 7
in Garden design
I'm quite time poor so have filled up my boarders with turf and made a low maintenance front garden. 

However, it now looks really bare.  

I would like to put a tree in the middle for privacy and aesthetics but have no idea what to plant.

I ideally want something that looks nice but doesn't grow over 2.5 to 3 meters and doesn't have an invasive root systems as it would be near a wall and house. 

I have just bought a brown turkey fig tree which seemed to fit the size criteria but the more I read the root system seems quite strong/invasive.

Any ideas or does no such tree exist

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You would need to give more info - your general location, climate, soil etc.
    What thrives in the south of England won't necessarily thrive in the north of Scotland. 
    Heavy soil is easier for some trees, but terminal for others.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • I_clishI_clish Posts: 7
    That makes sense. 

    I'm in the north east of England.  Not that far from the coast, but far enough not to get the worst of the weather. 

    Thank you.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Soil? Drainage?
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • I_clishI_clish Posts: 7
    It's starting to dawn on me how little I actually know about gardening.

    I'm not actually sure.  It has never been waterlogged and gets full sun if that helps but I don't know the ph levels or anything like that. 

    Cherry trees grow like weeds where I live so maybe whatever soil type they like?

    I'm a complete novice. Put up some hanging baskets for the first time and nearly lost them twice underestimating how quick they dry out.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's ok. Many trees will be ok as long as they don't get dried out while establishing, but the most important thing is to prep the ground well first. 
    If you do that just now, you can plant in early autumn, which is easier as the cooler, wetter conditions make it easier for trees to establish. Clear a good circle or square of turf, and keep adding compost and rotted manure over the next couple of months. That will help to improve the soil, and also give a better medium for anything planted.
    I'd go for something like an Amelanchier [there are various varieties but all fairly similar] which gives flowers in spring, then berries later, and nice autumn colour. Not fussy as to soil type. The ornamental pear - Pyrus salicifolia pendula is also a nice small tree. 
    You'll also need to stake your tree from the start, and you'll get help with that too. 2 angled stakes low down is the best method, and fairly easy to do. If there's nothing else around to counteract the sun, you will have to be vigilant next year with watering if you get long dry spells, and adding mulches every so often when the soil's damp, will help with that. Wind will also be a factor if there's nothing to shelter it, so the staking is important.
    Don't be tempted to buy a huge specimen either if you aren't experienced.

    Another alternative is to use a shrub. Many become 'tree' like and are also very attractive. There are lots of types which will be suitable. If you have a photo or two of your site, that will also help with suggestions  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    You're right to be wary of planting your fig tree in the front garden.  They can get very big, and need to have their roots restricted in order to produce fruit - and a warm site, preferably a wall.  Maybe not feasible in your garden.  You could try it in a very large pot, perhaps...

    @Fairygirl's suggestions for suitable trees are good ones.  Amelanchier would be great, and would provide the privacy you want without being overpowering.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • I_clishI_clish Posts: 7
    Thank you very much @Fairygirl and @Liriodendron.

    Some good food for thought there.

    I hadn't heard of the amelanchier before. Will get researching. 

    Thanks again!
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Don't give up on the fig tree. As @Liriodendron says, you can grow it in a big pot. It will make a splendid bush if you keep it pruned and with a bit of luck will provide toffee-like fruits for years to come. https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/figs/grow-your-own If the weather scares it too much, then at least you have the beautiful leaves to look at.
    If you want to get a good idea of what will grow where you live, take a stroll around the neighbourhood to see what flourishes. If you don't know what anything is, post a photo on the forum for advice.
    Local garden centres should be able to advise you on the best trees and shrubs for your soil and aspect though bear in mind they are trying to sell you something so mull things over before taking the plunge. Garden centres can be places of fantasy where we all spend too much money on things that will never grow in our gardens and just because we have been seduced by a beautiful flower or perfumed shrub.
    If cherry trees grow like weeds where you live, then maybe that is what you should be planting. Some have decorative bark which looks good in winter.
    Have fun.

  • I_clishI_clish Posts: 7
    Ceres said:
    Don't give up on the fig tree. As @Liriodendron says, you can grow it in a big pot. It will make a splendid bush if you keep it pruned and with a bit of luck will provide toffee-like fruits for years to come. https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/figs/grow-your-own If the weather scares it too much, then at least you have the beautiful leaves to look at.
    If you want to get a good idea of what will grow where you live, take a stroll around the neighbourhood to see what flourishes. If you don't know what anything is, post a photo on the forum for advice.
    Local garden centres should be able to advise you on the best trees and shrubs for your soil and aspect though bear in mind they are trying to sell you something so mull things over before taking the plunge. Garden centres can be places of fantasy where we all spend too much money on things that will never grow in our gardens and just because we have been seduced by a beautiful flower or perfumed shrub.
    If cherry trees grow like weeds where you live, then maybe that is what you should be planting. Some have decorative bark which looks good in winter.
    Have fun.

    Thanks for this. It's appreciated 
  • robairdmacraignilrobairdmacraignil Posts: 782
    A nice small cherry to fit in with your size preference that could be worth considering is Prunus incisa Kojo-no-mai.
    Happy gardening!
    https://www.youtube.com/user/sustainableveg/videos
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