Dwarf trees

[gallego1968]

[align=left]At the front of my house i have a small planting are next to the drive and i was wondering about having a dwarf treein the center with shrubs around it.[/align]
[align=left]I`m looking fo a tree that does not grow more than 6 feet as i don`t want it to grow too much higher than my privit hedge. The ground is good London clay, so can anyone recommend a tree.[/align]

[Newt]

You don't say what the sun conditions are, but if it's part sun to shade a weeping Japanese maple would be good.* There are many different leaf shapes and colors.* If you want it to stay at 6' get one with a low graft.* This site has loads of info.* Click on the links on the left for the trees.* Be sure to read the 'Articles' and 'Faq's' too.
http://www.mountainmaples.com/WS4D_C..._15/index.html

If you have more sun there is Harry Lauder's Walking Stick - Corylus avellana 'Contorta'.* It will probably get taller then 6' and grow to 8' or 10'.
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/p....asp?code=C360
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening.../19/ghow19.xml

There are dwarf lilacs that need full sun and other shrubs can be pruned into a tree form.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening.../19/ghow19.xml

If you are in to topiary you could select something for your sun conditions and keep it pruned.* I find topiary to be formal in appearance.

Newt

[gallego1968]

[align=left]The front garden is a East facing so sun in the morning, there`s no overhanging trees near by so it will be fully exposed.[/align]

[Newt]

If it's just morning sun or not more then 4 to 5 hours of sun on that area you could plant a weeping Japanese maple.* Be very careful when you select one as they tend to grow wider then tall, especially if it's a low graft tree.* The lilac will need 6 hours of sun or more to bloom well.*

I also want to correct something I posted earlier.* It's HARRY Lauder's Walking Stick, not Henry. *:?* I'll edit my post, but I want to be sure you have the correct name.** Glad I gave you the botanical name.* :)* That can take full to part sun.

Newt

[gallego1968]

[align=left]I`ve seen a picture of the Japanese maple and i like it, we are going to a garden centre tomorrow to have a closer look.[/align]

[Newt]

Have a good visit and take a pad and pen so you can write down some notes and names.* Then you can research them on the internet.* Look for a low graft so it will stay shorter for you.

Newt

[gallego1968]

[align=left]I`m only 5` 8" tall, so it`s going to be hard finding anything shorter than me.:P[/align]

[Newt]

There are some really small shrubs and trees out there.* If you would like to see some, take a look at these.
http://www.miniplantkingdom.com/
http://www.miniforest.com/

Newt

[gallego1968]

[align=left]Thank you Newt you have been very helpful, and we have decided on a japanese maple. So once spring has started we shall go out and buy one.[/align]

[Newt]

You are so very welcome!* Glad I could help.* I think you've made a good choice.* The Mountain Maples site I gave you has directions on how to plant, water and mulch your tree under their 'How To' section.*

Newt