Small tree for front garden?

Hi there, I'm looking for small tree ideas that would be suitable for a space in my front garden. There's a gap right in the corner, near the house but separated by a path, about 3.5x3.5ft large, and I wondered about putting a nice little tree in?

I tried to replant a lilac from the back garden, but unfortunately it didn't take. The garden is in full sun from sunrise to around 7pm in the summer, and the soil tends towards clay. Any ideas?

 

Hi fiwen30, That sounds like a tight space to put a tree. Won't it block the path? Depending what the root system is like, the roots could play havoc with the foundations of the house, too.
The only tree I can think of that wouldn't be a problem is a conifer, Cypress sempervirens. It's a bit tender but should be OK in a sunny spot near a house wall. http://www.seagravenurseries.co.uk/home/italian-cypress-trees-and-conifers
The link's not a recommendation for the nursery, particularly, just so you can see what the trees are like......

 

Crikey @noisette47 ... they may well fit in a small garden, but, they look like they could poke God's eye out!!
(Let's hope he doesn't look downwards )

 

Oh Noisette47, did you have to put that link up, I just had to have a look. I've always wanted a monkey puzzle tree, now all I need Is the £1050........ Any ideas anyone
LOL.

 

Grow one from seed!

 

The ultimate columnar plant Can't move for them round here.....

 

you got a spare £12.99 for a little one lol

http://www.yougarden.com/item-p-510187/sale-sale-sale/monkey-puzzle-tree/

 

A little one ! ! !

It's only 6 inches high, how small are the monkeys Lol

 

Magnolia stellata is nice.
Won't get too big, and flowers from a small size.

 

Mountain ash I have in my front garden bed. Is a pretty compact tree, good for wildlife and wind resistant too.

 

Sorry Jane, I've lost two because of lack of wind resistance.

 

Really? I've read that they have "been said" to be good for coastal gardens. I presume that must mean salt spray rather than wind?

 

They are very good in windy conditions Jane but like most plants there's only so much battering they can take. I've lost many trees that I've planted here and have just one that is surviving but not thriving and that's a Malus.