Shade Tree to plant near patio and house

I am looking for a shade tree to replace the bradford pear which is currently there (and will be removed).

The tree must go in front of the deck and near the house.

The deck is 3.5 feet above the ground, and I am looking for a tree which is therefore 8-10 feet tall maxing out at 10-15 (max 20 feet). The tree will be placed to the south of the deck providing shade in summer.

I prefer:
decidious tree (sun in winter, shade in summer for the deck)
flowering, if possible (but shade function most important)
column shaped (preferably)
no pungent ordors, etc

I am in zip code 28173 near Charlotte, NC (USDA ardning zone 7b)

Any ideas?

(I enclose a picture of the current tree, bradford pear, in place)

Thank
Kenneth

It's hard to beat a dogwood. But so many other possibilities....
Sounds like you're looking for a fairly small tree, rather than the typical massive shade trees.
I'm an advocate of the less common rather than the typical 'big box' nursery offerings,
such as styrax japonica or obassia, acer japonicum, syringa pekinensis, katsura 'Heronswood Globe', chionanthus virginica, euschaphis japonica. Just off the top of my head. Many others would have equal merit. Browse through Dirr's bible and let your imagination run wild!

aHH SYRINGE.. I love those. Might be a good idea. I was slowly leading towards a crepe myrtle (standard form) but syringa sounds good. Acer japonicum was one I did not think off but may work out well.

yes you are right, I am looking for a smaller tree which can stay where it is for years.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/217/

How about that?

You know a fruit tree might be nice there? Semi dwarf apple, maybe a cherry tree?? That may be the way to go. There are fruit trees that are trouble free and if you get it on the right root stock the tree won't get huge.
http://www.johnsonnursery.com/FRUIT%20PAGES/CHERRIES.htm


These are both trouble free fruit trees. http://www.johnsonnursery.com/FRUIT%20PAGES/JUJUBE&PAWPAWS.htm

A few ideas in a different direction.

Any interest in a Crimson Pointe Flowering Plum? I have one in a tight spot on the side of my house. Monrovia says that it only gets 5' wide and 20' tall though I think 8' wide is probably more accuate in the long run. Beautiful maroon leaves all season long and precious light pink fragrant flowers in the spring but NO FRUIT to worry about!

Check it out: http://www.monrovia.com/learn/plant_catalog/detail.php?id=4161

I really love mine!

Elizabeth

How about Persian Parrotia?
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1780/
I am looking at The Southern Gardener's Book of Lists by Lois Trigg Chaplin that I just received. It is included in the list, "Small Trees for Small Lots, Patios and Under Utility Lines". Great book! And looking at PF no invasive roots near your foundation, and beautiful bark to look at!

Google "seven son", and check that out.It has four season desire.
Mike

That ironwood tree would be a nice choice I think.

Service berries! You can eat the berries, it is a fairly small tree, and it has unbelievable fall colour!

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/152866/


CC

PS I have the Amelanchier Prince William, it is a superb tree!!!