Looking for thin, small, preferably evergreen tree options

Hi,

I'm a new user to the site. I'll be honest from the off, I am not well versed in garden related matters and therefore what I'm about to ask may not even be possible.

Basically, I am looking for a tree for a driveway project. I have a fairly large driveway that is currently nothing more than a blank, tarmaced space and I am looking for a way to liven it up a little. Due to the layout it would not be feasible to turn any part of it into a proper front garden. However, as the driveway is about four cars width, which I don't need, I was thinking about a small, central island with some small, thin trees lining it to add a bit of decoration.

Therefore, I would like to ask whether anyone knows of any trees, preferably evergreen ones (the tree itself doesn't necessarily have to be green) that grow no bigger than about 9' but preferably higher than 6' and have a relatively small width (maybe 2' maximum, though smaller would be better for my plans) that don't require lots of root space that I could use for this project?

Of course, I am sure I could go for a hedge, but I prefer the look of trees to be honest, hence I figured this would be my first port of call as it were.

Any ideas? Or am I grasping at straws?

All input appreciated!

 

Hmmmmm. One of the cupressus family might give you the columnar shape and evergreen habit you're looking for. They're often used for big hedges but you'd be planting them as specimen trees.

But, and it's a big but, they're vigorous and won't want to stay at 3m high. They're likely to spread outwards much more than you want when you try to restrict their upward growth. And you'll never be sure of where their roots are going.........

Why not go to a garden centre or specialist nursery and have a look at some, e.g. cupressus macrocarpa, and ask for advice about trying to keep them small?

Perhaps another forum member will know of a semi-dwarfing variety; I'm afraid I don't.

 

I think its a bit of a tall order myself.

Irish yew stays very compact, its slow growing though.

I cant see the point in planting anything fast growing as you will be for ever trimming it.