Silver Birch… not suitable?

I have a 12ft (maybe) silver birch tree at the bottom of my small garden. I grew it from a tiny plant that was growing between my flagstones. There is a small woodland near by, full of silver birch and they are ridiculously high. As much as I love it, it is growing at an alarming rate and I fear that soon it will become a problem for me and my neighbours. Therefore, I am planning on digging it up. (Unless someone tells me I can literally chop it in half!)
I’ve been thinking about what I can put in its place. I went to a garden centre today and saw a crab apple which grows to 4m in 20 years… and I also like the possibility of a lilac. I wanted to put in a Japanese maple, but the price made me think otherwise. I’ve seen a crab apple specimen which I liked, priced at £60 which I am thinking about.
I just wanted to ask opinions about what other possible options I have. My garden is only about 10m long by 4 m wide. Thank you in advance.

 

Thanks for all the advice. What do you think about the crab apple photo I’ve sent? It looks such a nice specimen and I can imagine it growing there quite nicely. If so, would that be ok to plant before September? Thanks once again for all the advice

 

Thank you! I probably won’t go for that one then as it is close to the shed… prob about a meter away. I just want something easy ha ha. First things first though, I’m going to dig out the birch :-(
Thank you so much for all the advice: I really appreciate it.

 

When the time comes for a new tree, one that has a columnar habit (i.e. is going to stay narrow as it grows) might be a good option. Two that have fitted neatly into my small garden are crab apple Laura and rowan Autumn Spire. Both came from the supplier I've linked to, and were good quality - even if you don't want to buy mail order it's a handy website to search for inspiration, designed to let you filter by eventual size, habit of growth, season of interest, colour of flowers and fruits, etc etc.

 

I like the birch tree and as it grows remove the lower branches ,,, it doesn't cast dark shade and it could do with tree where you live ant its native so good for birds and insects and you as it blocks out those windows

the crab apple drops its fruit all over the place which the neighbours will only moan about and it can be just as large with its spreading canopy

my vote keep the birch

 

Thank you SO much for that response… I will definitely look into that.

 

I do admit, I love the birch! My only real concern is that I know how high it will grow. I am literally surrounded by silver birch trees outside the estate where I am and they are all prob 30 m high! I know I’ll be moved by the time it reaches that size… but it’s growing so fast!

 

Ha ha… you’ve definitely put me off the crabapple lol. My partner also said… there will be wasps everywhere too