small trees?

Hi,
Can anyone recommend a small tree for medium garden? Wanted to have something small in the middle of my lawn to provide some shade for summer and colour in winter. Was thinking of Japaneese maple/acer?

 

Hi Cuckoobuns,

How big do you want it to be, now and in 10 years time ?

There are lots of trees here.

http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=21;t=000192

Brilliantisimum or dumondii would be a good start.

Japanese Maples at a size you could appreciate the shade they cast now, would be expensive.

BM

 

Hi,
Wanted it to be about 6 foot fully grown. I am quite happy to grow form a sapling. It doesnt have to be shady now. I just wanted to have some shade eventually. My little boy has epilepsy, so it's important he doesnt get over hot or sunburnt, but equally so I dont want a huge tree dominating my lawn.
xx

 

I agree with BM, japanese maples are beautiful but if you buy a small one your son will be big before the tree!
Pyrus Salicifolia [weeping pear] is a pretty tree and if grown with a slightly longer trunk than usual will give shade. Have you thought of a fruit tree on a dwarf rootstock?

 

How about amelancia (?spelling) pretty spring time flowers and good colour in the autumn. Can be grown as tree or shrub. Or consider the mountain ash

 

fran how tall does the mountain ash grow. dont want upset the good neighbours. :confused: :(

 

Not sure this is applicable now as the question was asked some time before. However, for all those that may have an interest in height of Sorbus aucuparia (mountain ash), quite frankly a lovely tree, in my humble opinion:
within 20 years 6m x 2.5m (18ft x 8ft). Can grow up to around 15m (45ft) dependent upon growth conditions.

Check out the other species though as there are many colours of berries and heights/spread vary enormously! Very bird friendly, particularly red/orange.

 

As you can see from Royster's answer, not very big, and it also has a light and airy canopy - so unlikely to cause upset to neighbours