Small tree recomendation please

rubble2

We have a Rowan tree in our front garden, the house is about 20 years old and the tree was well established when we moved in three years ago.
The problem we have is that the tree is situated too close to the driveway area which it overhangs, this causes problems with the berries and the birds they attract messing over the driveway and cars.

I think that when the house was built the driveway was narrower (one car width) but I assume has since been widened causing the problem with the proximity to the tree.
We are reluctant to remove the tree but think that it may be the only way to resolve the problem, if we do remove it we would want to plant a replacement in a more suitable location.

So, what recommendations are there for a tree suitable for a front garden (garden is SE facing), something that will remain reasonably compact and look decorative?

Thanks

twopenny

I think we need to know what 'reasonably compact' and possibily even decorative means.

Can you guage what sort of height you want - and then spread?

Otherwise we could come up with hundreds that are unsuitable

rubble2

Sorry, I understand I was a bit vague there, I suppose something about 4m high and 3m spread would be ideal.
Not actually sure what I mean by decorative, but I guess probably not a fruit tree but an interesting leaf form/colour.

Hope that helps

twopenny

Big trees aren't my forte but some of the Prunus come in larger sizes and have blossom in late winter before anything else and the leaves come out purple throughout the summer until the beginning of winter. They can be grafted onto unusual stems so the bark is shiny like birch.

Some of the Rowans have golden berries which are unusual and you know the rest because you've got one ;-)

I know that when I look at trees in the garden centre they are mostly too big for me and I sigh with longing. It may be a good idea to wait a month till you can see them in leaf at a gc as it's going to be an individual tree. It needs to be exactly what you want as it's going to make a statement

It's getting late to plant and you have yet to get rid of the Rowan.

One way of narrowing down the choice is, when you've looked at a few see which colours would look best with whatever your house is made of. I once saw a deep pink rose against an orange brick house and it was stunning - but those would be two colours I had never thought of going well together.

theoretica

So many nice trees - personal favourites include hawthorn and lilac. I think cherry is particularly prone to surface roots, if that is an issue.  There are lovely japanese maples and small dogwoods too.  Depends maybe on how long you are prepared to wait for it to grow.

theoretica

You could pick the rowan berries and make jelly.

sheramber

You could have the tree cut back. It would sprout again and form a bush, rather than a tree.

twopenny

Just seen the Judas tree on Garden Rescue.
Pink flowers spring and butter yellow autumn.

Emmia

I particularly like Acers, slow growing, with attractive leaves which change colour wonderfully in the autumn... 

Floozie

We bought a crab apple tree last year as we wanted a tree that would add interest and also not get too big so it became unmanageable. It had beautiful pink blossom in the Spring, interesting leaf foliage and beautiful red crab apples which provided colour and did not drop off the tree until December. I would therefore recommend a crab apple for year round interest.

Farway

twopenny said:

Just seen the Judas tree on Garden Rescue.
Pink flowers spring and butter yellow autumn.

Loveley tree, I have one, eye opener in blossom and unusual seed pods. The leaves on mine remain green though, maybe variety difference?

PS, grows about 15 feet tall & spread  if left to get on with it, but stands a good hacking back with fresh regrowth

Shame about my manky pond

Close up flowers