Hello David,
Perhaps for a fast growing smaller tree, say up to 5-7m try growing
Dodonaea viscosa, they are fast growing, provide dappled shade, are
evergreen, come in green or red/purple, have interesting bark, foliage
and flower and i find i have to top prune them to keep them below 4m
here in New Zealand. Easy to shape into a shade tree, try using two far
enough apart, approx 5m, that when they are mature, combined, they will
shade a good deal of ground without the hassle of a trunk in the
center of your entertainment area.
I agree, keep that ficus in a pot.

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