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Choosing a small tree

ThomasjamesThomasjames Posts: 2
in Garden design
Hi I would really love to hear some suggestions re a smallish tree for the front garden. There is a palm tree there which hubby will be dealing with and I'd like to replace it with something pretty. I was thinking a magnolia possibly but wondered what it will look like after its flowering period is over? I'm a complete novice so all suggestions/advice is welcome.
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  • Flowerlover3Flowerlover3 Posts: 219

    If I had space I'd try a Forest Pansy tree, Cercis canadensis. Pink blossom in spring, rounded heart shaped burgundy leaves in summer and glorious autumn colour. 

  • royd63kroyd63k Posts: 63

    small crab apple

     

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Amelanchier, a beautiful small tree with lovely blossom followed by colourful (and edible) fruit with good autumn colour in the leaves.  Excellent for wildlife too.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511

    Magnolias are really slow to grow; spectacular when big but I would plant something more wildlife friendly.  Roy's suggestion of a crab apple is really good, Red Sentinel is my favourite; looks good in spring with the blossom and then has bright red berries into the new year and sometimes right through the winter.  Rowan is another attractive smallish tree or Amelienchar  which is pretty and has berries in the summer; very popular with the blackbirds.

    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • ThomasjamesThomasjames Posts: 2

    Thanks for all the replies! I love the idea of inviting more wildlife into the garden. I've attached some pics (would like new tree to replace palm tree) the palm is the top right of the garden, the island and the grass are the middle and my drive is to the lef

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    t.

  • IamweedyIamweedy Posts: 1,364

    I would go for amelanchia as well. I have a loose hedge of it flowering now and it's lovely. It is on very poor soil between  two front gardens.

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    'You must have some bread with it me duck!'

  • Adele MorganAdele Morgan Posts: 6

    Try a Amelanchier, it's a nice small tree and it looks beautiful when grown. I think it would definitely suit your garden.

  • Jo104Jo104 Posts: 10

    Strawberry tree, very pretty. 

  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904

    Gonna get me one a them thar amelanchiers...or three.  What is yours Iamwoody? Rather than hedge shaped can it be tree shaped? It looks beautiful.

  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016

    I would also consider rowan / mountain ash.  They are comparatively upright so might be better for that limited space.

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