On Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:44:52 -0800 (PST), harry
wrote:

On Feb 25, 3:52*pm, "AL_n" wrote:
I wonder if anyone could help me decide on which tree to get for my back
garden. I need something to provide a bit of shade, and give some sense of
shelter, as it's a rather exposed coastal site. The soil is very alkaline
and below the shallow topsoil, is stony clay. The site gets fairly windy,
especially in winter. There is lots of sunshine in Summer. It's in the
South West of England with typically only a few nights of frost each year.

I want a tree that will only grow to about 12ft high absolute maximum, so
that it won't obscure the views from the upstairs window. Ideally the
braches will spread outwards for around 8 feet from the trunk, providing a
canopy of dappled shade on a summer's day, that can be walked under without
much obstruction from the branches.

I'd like something that is interesting and attractive, all year round. I
don't want anything too common, such as an apple, pear or cherry, unless
they are the only sensible option. It doesn't have to be a fruit tree.

I'll be planting it about 10ft from the rear of my house, in front of some
French windows that face East. The tree will get full sun for several hours
each sunny day.

I have wondered about a palm, because of the exotic feel they create, but
they seem to be expensive and slow-growing.

Something that develops a twisted, interesting-looking trunk would be
preferable to something with a boringly straight, smooth trunk.

I'd be looking to buying a sapling that is already about 8ft to 10ft tall -
one which would grow outwards, mostly and not gain too much additional
height.

Can anyone suggest anything?

Thank you,

Al

Sounds like you need a bus shelter. :-)

Or an extremely large patio umbrella!

Something with a tree canopy that's at least 6' above ground, no more
than 6' above that but 16' in diameter is going to look like an alien
mutation. A side effect of that is that if the tree is 16' in diameter
then the root stretch will match it. A oft forgotten thing about trees
is that they don't have any inbuilt programmer that says "stop" when
they reach a certain size. That little 2' gap between the tree and
your house won't be 2' for very long.

I'd suggest you go back to the drawing board and rethink your
specifications a bit.

Cheers, Jake
=======================================
Urgling happily from the dryer end of Swansea Bay.