Certainly slow growing, and I'd think 20 to 30 feet would be nearer the mark for the eventual height, in optimum conditions, but it would be too big width wise for the space anyway, and as @Obelixx says, you'd have a lot of empty ground there while it grew, so you'd need something else to provide interest for a good few years.
There are definitely better choices to create a bit of shade, and I'd also agree that climbers on a good, sturdy support is a nice way to have interest as well as some shade, and you could incorporate them into the existing planting too, although it's hard to see clearly from the photo what space you have in the layout
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
As per Ben Cotto's first hand experience, I wouldn't expect the tree to outgrow that space for at least 30 years. In fact it will take a few years to provide the dappled shade you are after. But if you really like the tree I don't see why you shouldn't plant it. It's said to reach 3x3m after 20 years which checks out with Ben's experience.
C. alternifolia 'Variegata' is similar (but smaller so doubtful it will have the same impact providing shade), and there are plenty of C. kousa varieties to look at.
Just get some curtains/blinds/shutters then you can shade when you need to and let in light in winter when it's much darker.
As I said before, any new tree you plant is going to have to struggle to establish with everything else around it and it would be a great waste of healthy looking plants and take years to get to the height you need.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast. "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
It would be a shame to rip the work that is already there. I chopped down a chamaecyparis that had gotten too big near the door. The small tree-like shrub in the centre is - I think - Grevillea Olympic Flame. I suppose it might grow a bit taller if I give it some TLC.
Big, wide trees would create a lot of shade and possible permanent gloom, even if they shed their leaves in winter, which you can't adjust. Another thing to consider would be root spread and possible effect on foundations and underground pipework in the future, and the expense of putting that right. Perhaps blinds/shutters would end up being the least expensive option after all? (Plus you can have control of the amount of shade and privacy you want at any given time). I would also say that I think your garden looks lovely as it is and it would be such a shame to rip out such nice looking, established plants. Another poster mentioned the telephone wires too, which would have to be kept clear of tree branches. Also, consider your neighbours - would they appreciate the shadow cast by a very large tree and potential root damage?
The two trees already suggested by @Busy-Lizzie and myself, do not have large root systems or cast huge amounts of shade. It comes down to the choices made.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
There are definitely better choices to create a bit of shade, and I'd also agree that climbers on a good, sturdy support is a nice way to have interest as well as some shade, and you could incorporate them into the existing planting too, although it's hard to see clearly from the photo what space you have in the layout
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
C. alternifolia 'Variegata' is similar (but smaller so doubtful it will have the same impact providing shade), and there are plenty of C. kousa varieties to look at.
As I said before, any new tree you plant is going to have to struggle to establish with everything else around it and it would be a great waste of healthy looking plants and take years to get to the height you need.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Just looked up these trees and this is an excellent suggestion, thank you!
Blinds are more expensive than 1 tree.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I would also say that I think your garden looks lovely as it is and it would be such a shame to rip out such nice looking, established plants. Another poster mentioned the telephone wires too, which would have to be kept clear of tree branches.
Also, consider your neighbours - would they appreciate the shadow cast by a very large tree and potential root damage?
It comes down to the choices made.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...