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Small tree suggestions

turmericturmeric Posts: 828
in Plants
Hello everyone.  I'm trying to hide the view of my back fence from my kitchen window (it's about 25ft away) so thought about a smallish tree halfway between, it would be in sun mainly.  I'm not fussed about blossom (but if I have to have it I prefer it simple rather than big fluffy double flowers). Really I just love coppery foliage (already have Photinia elsewhere so don't really want any more of those). Having walked around the garden centre this morning the choice seems to be between Amelanchier (will this get too big and would I ruin the shape by having to prune it?), Prunus or Malus (will the fruits make a mess on the ground?).  I realise they all have blossom but it's the leaves I love. The tree needs to be kept at about 3m wide and high, if possible.  What would the birds prefer?  If I can encourage more lovely birds in that would be wonderful.  The card on the Amelanchier said the birds love the berries which I hadn't realised.
Sorry if this sounds jumbled, there were so many Prunus and Malus at the GC I felt overwhelmed :/
Many thanks.

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 17,390
    Some lovely tree person will know...
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 828
    I'm beginning to doubt it... :'(  It's been three hours and now the GC's closed. Oh well.
  • FireFire Posts: 17,390
    I would suggest (respectfully) that it's best to do some more research and find a tree and variety that will work really well for you. Then find it online. GCs tend to offer a pretty limited range.
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 828
    Thanks Fire.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,200
    edited April 2018
    Personally - I would go for the crab apple over the amelanchier. Amelanchier trees may be larger than you want and the lovely blossom rarely lasts more than a week / 10 days in my garden. The lovely pinky spring leaves also become a much more normal green after a few weeks. The autumn leaf colour is also lovely but, again, is short lived.

    Crab apples (for me) usually retain their blossom for a few weeks. I particularly like “Evereste” which has orangey fruit from August right through to Jan / Feb when the blackbirds / pigeons and squirrels have a feast. Have never been bothered by fruit mess under the trees.

    I’m greedy & have several different malus and 3 amelanchiers. They all have their moment & are lovely in different ways but, if I had to choose just one for most year round interest & value to wildlife, it would be Malus ‘Evereste’.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 828
    Brilliant TopBird.  They had Everest in.  I shall look into crab apples a bit, it would be lovely to bring more birds into my garden, esp in the Winter.  Many thanks
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,200
    Enjoy :)
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • WaysideWayside Posts: 845
    Malus Royalty?  No experience, but am also looking for something red leaved.
  • FireFire Posts: 17,390
    Beautiful!

  • turmericturmeric Posts: 828
    Wayside, there were so many to choose from at the GC which is why I was looking for pointers.  I think TopBird was right, the choices need to be narrowed down a bit first.  Royalty caught my eye too.  I can't remember exactly which one it was now but I remember reading the label.  Sounds like Amelanchier may have been sidelined for Malus or Prunus.  Thanks to everyone.
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