Hi!

I would like to plant a tree in my backyard along my fence. Our pool is about 12ft away - it's not a fiberglass or cement pool but rather steel pools walls 2 feet into the ground and then just earth against the liner farther down. I don't really want to risk putting a tree into the ground with the pool so close but would like something that has 10-15ft spread and height. I'm in Zone 5.

Do you think a Kousa dogwood would do well in a raised bed that is 8ft long by 4 feet wide by 2-3 feet deep? I do want something that will last the 30 years we hope to stay here which is why I was thinking dogwood. Because it is near the fence the roots get shade most of the day but the crown would get full to partial sun. Was considering cherry or almond tree but they don't seem to live as long. Other species I should consider? How big do you think it will get in that size bed?

Thanks in advance!

Paige

Hello Paige, Not sure if you had a reply from others, but wanted to be sure you did get one. I would consider more hardy plants since the planter could technically freeze solid in the wintertime. Read up on Amelanchiers, Chokeberry, perhaps a sumac or a larger growing Viburnum. The size ultimately will be determined by the container, though not for 10-12 years look for those plants that will grow in the full sun to partial shade