I need something that will live longer than 30 years. That is why I didn't choose an eastern redbud, beautiful trees here but not long lived. I don't want to replace them when I'm older.

Anyway, that are being considered for a small side yard that is located between two houses. I want some shade but not something that will get more than 25ft tall and 20ft wide.

The location will see full sun for 8 or more hours and the soil is clay.

With a plum there is a possibility of becoming bothered by dropped fruit. A service berry would seem to have much greater potential for producing an appealing ornamental specimen. Since their appearance is airy planting a grouping instead of a single accent point can be a good idea.

Alabama Extension has separate pages on crapemyrtle and dogwood, which implies those are prevalent there. Crapmyrtle tends to produce an upright habit that fits well near buildings. In fact, in my area we might plant them against a south-facing wall to encourage flowering.

The document at the Alabama Smart Yards link on the page below has other kinds of trees listed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Home Landscapes

Thanks.

We planted a clumped service berry and couldn't be happier. They have quite a good rate of growth when young. Serviceberry produces small white flowers in the spring that are noticeable at a distance. Then come the tasty berries that birds love.

Clumped Serviceberry have an airy look, but still produce a nice bit of shade. It can contract a virus that starts with a yellow dot on it's leaves, so I have sprayed it weekly with a fungicide for about four weeks after it leaves out in the spring. Surprisingly this spring I didn't spray it and the disease didn't reappear. Nothing else seems to bother it.

In fall it's leaves turn a clear yellow. Winter brings strong winds to it's planting site here. It sways and bends, yielding but never breaking in the wind. It is a small and modest tree, but my eye is drawn it to often because of it's graceful appearance. I can't find anything to complain about. Good luck.

May I ask how tall was the tree when you planted it and how quickly did it take to become established?