Greetings! I am in need of a shade tree to plant in a patio bed that is about 8'x8'. We already have concrete around it, and I need to find something that doesn't have shallow roots that might damage the patio or the foundation of the house (the location would be about 15' from the house itself. We have a River Birch there, and it has become HUGE, but we are worried about the root system creating havoc with our patio and house. Another consideration is that the River Birch is very messy! We end up having to sweep or blow off the patio with alarming regularity!
The current tree is also leaning toward the house, which further compounds the need to take action. We have loved the shade and reduced summer heat on the house, but it is clear that we need to do something different.
I'm adding a photo of the patio, which faces generally west and gets a LOT of afternoon sunlight during summer months.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!