What sort of treewould be suitable to plant close to the house??

My daughter has removed an over large eucalyptus and would like to replace it - preferably with a blossom tree. The tree will be next to a low brick wall and 1 metre from the brick garage which is attached to the house. Is there a suitable ornamental tree that can be planted here that will not casue damage to the walls from the roots or a wide spread?

The height of a tree is needed in this spot but maybe, because of the proximity to the walls a shrub would be better?

It is a south facing position but I am not sure of the soil type except to say the house is on the banks of a river. Thank you in anticipation

 

the type of tree or shrub depends on a few things but firstly does the area get plenty of sunlight and if so from which direction and do you want a useful fruiting blossom tree?
Jen

 

RE: What sort of tree would be suitable to plant close to the house??

The aspect is open to the south and the area gets a reasonable amount of sunshine. It is not far from Goole in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

It would be nice if the tree was ornemental throughout the year if possible. My daughter has a little orchard with plenty of fruit trees and is often overwhelmed by fruit!

 

You can keep an oak tree alive for a hundred years in a 15inch pot. Choose any tree you wish and prune it once a year when it gets to the maximum size you want. The roots will spread relative to the canopy. They only become a problem if you let them turn into monsters.Native broadleafs are fantastic for nature.

 

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[size=x-small]"Quercus ilex"[/size][size=x-small]http://www.trees-online.co.uk/images/ped...ur-380.jpg[/size]

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[size=x-small]"Liquidambar styraciflua"

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[size=x-small]"Magnolia stellata"

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[size=x-small]"Jasminum nudiflorum",

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[size=x-small]pic source: gardenoasis.co.uk[/size]



[size=x-small]"Jasminum primulinum"

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[size=x-small]pic source: sophy.u-3mrs.fr [/size]

 

What about:

Rowan - nice clusters of bright red berries from late summer
Elderberry - Big clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers in summer, followed by big clusters of black berries.
Buddleja - Massive purple flowers (also available in white, crimson and various other shades) - very popular with bees and butterflies (in fact it's common name is 'butterfly bush')

They could all be grown in large containers, and the last two are very fast growing and can be brutally pruned.

Or, not exactly a tree, but what about bamboo? I got a good deal last year on a black bamboo that was already over 6ft tall. It makes the most calming sound when the breeze catches it. I'm not sure if they like full sun though, the label on mine says partial shade on moist compost rich soil.

 

Not always the case. Roots will seek out water if there is a water defecit, going out far beyond the crown spread.

I'd recommend leaving a tree or shrub in a pot if it's going to be that close to a wall or other structure. Hourses, with deep footings, can generally cope with nearby trees. Low walls or other buildings with less stable footings can be prone to root damage.