We are renovating our front yard and will be doing a new concrete for the driveway and front verandah. We will be putting in a large native garden bed in the red section and I’d like to put a small tree in to add some different heights and a nice feature. Hoping for something whose roots won’t end up travelling towards the concrete and lifting it. The area is roughly 28m2. Preferably a native tree but open to a pretty ornamental tree!
by kirst_e
5 Comments
Have you considered a [mallee](https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/mallees-for-the-home-garden/12322706) ? They grow to about 5 m and are quite hardy.
Climate/location?
Buchanania
You need to pick a plant that doesn’t have widespread shallow roots that will affect the paving / driveway eg a lot of wattles will be problematic
Tulipwood is a very good choice if you are in the right climate zone and actually the one I would look at first (edit: they can grow quite large but you can keep it in check)
There are a few species of Lilly pilly that are good choices (but others are not good, so pick the right one)., Eucalyptus caesia as a small gum tree (although might get too big and does drop gum nuts).
Maybe a flowering gum? They like sandy soil and not too much water. You can get varieties with different sizes.
Chinese elm 🌳