Question
Hi, I live in north of San Francisco -- hot, sometimes foggy, summers and rainy winters.  I am looking for a little tree to be planted in a five foot wide area between the fence and driveway (which is used for basketball rather than a car.) Ideally it would be about 12 - 15 feet tall with canopy branches providing a little shade -- it is open to the west afternoon sun, but not with low enough branches to stick kids in the eye.  Of course I also wish it to have lovely spring blossoms, or red fall leaves, or some beautiful feature.  Don't want it to tear up the driveway and lets see, I guess I just want a make-believe tree.  I suppose it could be taller but does not need to be, it is about 9 feet from the house so nothing too tall. Anything come to mind?  I really appreciate any thoughts!  Julia

Answer
Julia,

Another tree I thought would be interesting for you is Thundercloud plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud').  Nice light pink blossoms early spring, colorful small purple leaves spring to summer,  copper color in the fall.  Tops out about 20 feet.

Mark