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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

     

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,729

    Is your garden enclosed or one of those open plan type of thingies? Roughly how big is it?

    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391

    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: 1,458

    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.

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,729

    That's quite a tight spot for a tree if you aren't going to annoy passersby on the pavement or take out your next door neighbour's eye as he walks in his garden.

    You need to be thinking of something that is tall and thin rather than spreading like a magnolia. 

    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • 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. 

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