how does one choose a tree?

Hi

I am a very new gardener, who having spent the last year redesigning our back garden have something which somewhat resembles a garden.. I am quite proud of it. However I have come across the problem of deciding what tree to plant. I would like it to add feature to a corner of the garden which does not receive too much sunlight on the ground and therefore is damp, whilst I want it as a feature I do not want it to drown out the sunlight or the rest of the garden.
Does anybody have any ideas?? I would appreciate them.

Thanks
Gail :confused:

 

Hi Gail,
A few questions spring to mind..

How much room is there? ie: how tall can it reasonably get before it gets too big for the corner?
Would you like something that has flowers?-or interesting shape/coloured leaves?--or coloured bark?

Something like a Mountain Ash ( sorbus aucuparia) which is a British native might be nice.It has colour all season--white\cream clusters of flowers in May\June,a light,airy canopy that lets plenty of light through & dazzling red berries in autumn when the green leaves go 'autumn gold'.

Hope this is of some help ,& remember--this is one occasion when size really does matter!


Tt.

 

To the suggestion of mountain ash, I would add the silver birch - one of the small white stemmed varieties. Like the mountain ash, light and airy foliage, not too big. I totally agree with toptaft, height is important.

 

what about a fruit tree blossom in spring is brill .Like you i am new to gardening have moved in to a new house half veggies half flowers plants and trees

 

Hi Gail
How about an Amelanchier laevis or A. lamarkii or A canadensis. All very similar. Has brilliant white blossom in spring, followed by coppery new leaves, which turn green then fiery red in autumn & it has edible black berries as well! The canopy is not too dense, its not a thug nor does it grow too big & its one of my favourite trees. I have it growing in sandy soil in shade, but I "do" gardens where its in sticky clay & in sun also. Its really easy going & makes me do this when I see it! :D

 

Hi Gail
Amelanchier is beautiful and also you will have the thrush doing acrobatics for the berries after blossom. But do look at the Prunus Serrula with it's magnificent bark, a polished mahogany copper that peels. It is truly a special
Hope this helps Ray