I have to pick a FREE tree,, ANY tree!???

Hi, if any of you know my posts, I have moved into a different home with terribly outdated landscaping,, everything is a mess. I have two big stumps out front to be removed,, and we plan on a back addition with a driveway added on the right side of the lot.
My husband is a contractor and awarded a big commercial job to a landscaper. He told my husband today that I should pick any tree, any tree to be planted here!! I have been so out of touch with trees especially. I get so overwhelmed with what needs to be done. We took out several hollys that seemed to be sprouting everywhere,, a mess. Our home is in a long established neighborhood with lots of mature trees. I noticed beautiful redbuds recently, and wanted to add those to my ideas for the future. So money is very tight, if not existent. (we are still waiting to sell the old house, durn it.)
I also love the dark purple leaved trees. There was an article in last Sundays paper that mentioned a dark leafed tree that was lacy leaved, and had flowers in spring and dark purple/blue berries in fall? I lost the article. I dont want anything messy or high maintenance. But I love color. So, any ideas? I feel fortunate to have this opportunity... what would you pick?
Oh, p.s. the drive will be kind of long up a sloping front yard in sun.. thanks, Mary

Well Mary, why not choose a redbud with purple leaves - Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'. There's a fig that should be hardy in your area - Ficus carica 'Chicago'. There's a number of interesting Elderberry that have variegated or purple leaves.

Wow, when you said "Forest Pansey", I believe that was one I tried to make a note of..I will look that one up and the others,, thanks Growin.. appreciate you takin the time to reply,, especially so quick!! thank you, Mary

Don't Japanese Beetles eat up 'Forest Pansy'? I'm not trying to pooh-pooh your choice, flowerlou, but I thought I remembered reading that and Japanese Beetles are no picnic.

Since the tree is free, I'd opt for an expensive tree you probably wouldn't ever buy yourself. A redbud can be picked up from a good nursery for only $60 if not less. Why not ask for a Japanese Maple? The atropurpureum types have lacy, purplish-reddish foliage and those trees top $100 easily. Just a thought. Get the best "deal" out of the deal :)

Jacci

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' or 'Spaethiana'

Would you consider a tree that emerges purple but then turns green in late spring, so you don't have to look at that that gaudy muddy color all summer? Some crabs do that, Grace smoketree, some Japanese maples, etc. Purple is great in the right place in spring, but it can get to be waaaayyyy too much if it sticks around all summer.

Guy S.

Well, I guess I have some research to do.. Also, Dh suggested we go with something to put in a spot where we removed an unsightly holly that was in front of a part of the home's foundation. I really was thinking about something evergreen there, but I am truly clueless when it comes to evergreens. Thanks for all the ideas and if there are any more, I surely would appreciate it! Mary