Can you help me choose a tree for my small pond area?

Question

I have an area of 25 x 25 feet with a 12 x 8 foot pond in the fore ground.I want a tree as a focal point behind the pond.I prefer a rounded tree that I can walk under as it matures.I live in zone 5 Chicago area.Also wish not to completely shade the area.No willows or anything that will shoot roots in my neighbors yard.Any ideas would be greately appreciated .

Answer 1

Sycamores like damp ground. If there's some seepage from the pond into the surrounding earth, a sycamore will be very happy there.

Answer 2

Have you considered Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)? If you buy a multi-stemmed plant, you can continue limbing it up like a birch clump. It's not the fastest grower, so if you buy one, don't feel bad about spending the bucks for a larger specimen. Another thought is Honeylocust (Gleditsia). Nice horizontal brancing pattern, and delicate foliage lends filtered shade. There is a culitvar called 'Sunburst', that has gold foliage in the early part on the season.

Answer 3

Perhaps some sort of ornamental tree like a Japanese maple that doesn't grow too big. The red leaves in the summer and the bright orange/red leaves in the fall will look incredible reflecting in the pond.

Answer 4

I have a gunera and bannana plants by my pond and that is definetly my focal point,they just thrive on water

Answer 5

River birch?

A dogwood tree would be very pretty in the spring.

Answer 6

Weeping Japanese Maples and Weeping Cherries are beautiful

Answer 7

either a beautiful Japanese maple (expensive) or one of the
fancy Willow trees

Answer 8

not all willows are invasive. you can buy a non-invasive willow. look them up on the net.