Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Mar 14, 2014 1:47 pm Hello homeone people, I turn to you because I am seriously desperate for advice. I am confused and bewildered about which tree to plant in our garden, I don't know how to attached photos to this post (if anyone can tell me how I will!) It is just a patch of grass 6 metres by 5.5 - and we want to plant a tree in the back corner. We live in Leicchhardt, NSW and the spot has full sun from about 9.30 in the morning till late in the day. It can get very sunny and hot - the property is directly in East/west direction (with garden on the west side) WE want a beautiful shade tree, that won't be humungous- as it's a small garden - I'm thinking upto 7 or 8 metres tops... I'm so confused about what to get-these are my criteria... - Preferably decidious (but not essential) - not too tall - up to around 7m - lovely big shade shape - I suffer from allergies to pollen etc so a tree that does not pollinate by wind is best for me. I've looked at Robinia -IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE TREE ... and I was so excited about planting one, but then after doing research my dream came crashing down. I am very worried about suckering and that it will get too big and therefore not provide shade in the actual grass where we need it. But mostly suckering. Chinese Tallow - was my favourite because of beautiful autumn colour, until I found out that the leaves and berries were TOXIC to humans - not good with small kids. Japanese Maples- but they will be too burnt in this spot - and I don't want a crispy burnt tree! Crepe Myrtles - are too shrubby for my liking and we don't like the flowery nature of them Magnolias- don't have that light and breezy feeling of a lovely flowing tree like a Tallow or Robinia Ornamental Pear trees - but don't want the mostly conical shape - possible a manchurian pear ?? I know nothing about trees, so I've had to learn about all this - and I'm sure that ther are a million other suggestions that would work for us - and even some natives? please help! We want a tree desperately, but which one? Signed Green ignoramus Re: What Tree should we plant in our backyard?! 2Mar 14, 2014 2:12 pm How about a silk tree? They are deciduous & grow to approx 6m tall. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=silk+tree&oq=silk+tree&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l3j69i65j69i60.1743j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 Re: What Tree should we plant in our backyard?! 3Mar 14, 2014 2:17 pm Thanks for the suggestion. I like the look of the tree- but I'm afraid those tiny hairy stamens would be problematic! Generally trees and plants that pollinate through wind like this are a no no for me. GI Re: What Tree should we plant in our backyard?! 5Mar 15, 2014 9:40 pm I'm growing a Claret Ash, Acer Negundo, Chinese Pistachio and Gleditsia Sunburst in my backyard, possibly any of these could suit apart from maybe the Gleditsia (given you seem to want more of a classic tree shape). I wanted shade in summer and a good show in autumn, but also not too tall (they're all around 6-8m in suburban environments from memory). These are also fairly hardy in comparison to say a Japanese Maple. Check out the Flemings website for info on all of these, hope this helps/ Re: What Tree should we plant in our backyard?! 6Mar 16, 2014 1:17 pm Thanks very much for that advice dubrex. Fantastic- much appreciated! Re: What Tree should we plant in our backyard?! 7Mar 17, 2014 11:15 am I found this page when I was browsing the web on the weekend - may be some help to you: http://www.specialitytrees.com.au/finder Also Flemings sells an "urban tree guide" if you want to invest $30 to assist you with the decision. Finally this Gardening Australia page may be of some use: http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/plantfi ... SHRUBS.htm My advice would be to narrow your selections down to a short list and then go and speak to your local nursery owner (who will hopefully know their stuff) and ask as many questions as you can. Things like frost tolerance, soil requirements and other factors may prevent you from getting a tree you may really like the idea of. Also keep in mind that, whilst a tree may grow to say 20 metres in height it may take 50 years to get to that size - the rate of growth as well as eventual size are both important to consider. We have a family friend who is a horticulturalist and she very much recommends planting the tree you want for the next (say) 10 to 15 years and if it gets too big simply removing and replacing it. I have to say I don't particularly like that thought personally but it may work for some. Re: What Tree should we plant in our backyard?! 8Mar 17, 2014 11:25 am Thanks very much grom40 - I have to say that I've been to a few local nurseries - and the staff haven't been overly helpful. However I have on the weekend, found ONE nursery horticulturalist who WAS very helpful. So I am getting there. At this stage I'm thinking about CHinese Pistacio and Gledistia Sunburst (going from dubrex's suggestions) or another version of Gleditsia called Elegantissima..and another alternative is Pyrus betulaefolia 'Southworth' Dancer. I will look up all your suggested reference though and keep doing my research until I'm satisfied. Thank you again! 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