Hello, I serve on the board of a condominium building in Chicago. Currently we are having some problems with a tree that was planted in a planter some time ago. We would like to replace the tree but would first prefer to get an expert opinion on what would be most appropriate for the space. Ideally, we would want something that tops out at about 20 feet that doesn't have too large of a spread. We have unit owners whose parking spaces are next to the planters and the birds that flock to the outer branches of trees with a large spread cause problems for the car owners. The space is in a corner and the tree would not get much in the way of Eastern or Northern sun exposure. The current tree has grown out at an angle because of this and we would prefer something with a straight growing habit. We are looking for something that would require little maintenance as our budget currently will support pruning once or twice annually. We recently planted a Japanese Maple in a similiar planter but have been asked if there are taller varieties of trees that would also be appropriate for this type of space given our needs. I have a picture of the current tree that shows the planter size and placement as it would probably be helpful in understanding the space we are working with and I would be happy to send it if you are able to help us with this question.
Thanks so much, Colleen OBoyle
