small tree for a small garden

Has anyone got any bright ideas for a small tree to be planted in a garden in Hatfield? Site is in full sun, and on an underground spring (which means that anything planted grows like billy-o!)

There are two young 'uns running around, so nothing poisinous or with berries/uneatable fruit!

Would like something fairly decorative, and with small leaves!

 

Hi Nathan........

Thanks for such a swift reply.

The garden is approx 12 mtrs long x 8 mtrs wide.

The reason I was asking about a tree is that I was hoping for something with a trunk, which then branched out to an overhead canopy (to provide some shade in a "sun-trap" of a garden). With two "under fours" it's essential to have some shade, so that they can stay & play without too much risk of sunburn!!!

The Japanese Maple sounds great (in fact I have one in a pot in my own garden) - could I get a fairly mature one - the reason I ask is that my own one is still only 1 mtr high & I've had it for 3 years (yes I know it's in a pot, but it's a large pot!).

The Pussy Willow also sounds great, but willow trees & an underground spring - I'm slightly worried it would "run amok"!

Look forward to your comments.......

Regards, Carole

 

Hi Carole

What about a crab apple? I have a nice one in my garden called Malus 'Golden Hornet'. It has nice bright yellow crab apples that hang around all winter. Anna.

 

To both Nathan and Anna.......

Thanks for the info....

Nathan - that Eucalyptus site is brilliant, easy to use and very informative.

Anna - the crab apple sounds very interesting - could you let me know approx. height of yours and how old it is?

Many thanks to both.........

Carole

 

Hi Carole

My crab apple is about three years old and about five and a half feet. I think they do grow bigger but take a while to do so. Thanks, Anna.