Help choose small tree/shrub

Fugs!!

Hi everyone. Im looking at planting a row of trees at the front of the garden. I don't want your traditional hedge as i live in a beautiful area with lots of wildness about. I think a trimmed hedge would look too clinical. So perhaps trees instead. Planted farish apart. But i want trees that would only mature at about 8 feet tall. Also needs to be wind resistant. I like maples but can you get a tree like a maple that only grows to 8 or 9 feet. Thanks.

Andy-Pandy

By maple do you mean Acer's (Japanese Maple) or Liquidambers (Maple)? Acers grow small but the take a long long time to get to 8 foot, unless of course you buy them big, but thats big money. Liquidambers can grow well beyond 8/9 foot tall. Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan), Corylus avellana (Hazel), and Betula pendula (Silver Birch) are all nice small(ish) trees and are all native so good for wildlife and Irish growing conditions.

Edit, i just re-read your post and not of the above would provide much of a wind break. Acer's dont do very well with the wind either, it can burn the leaves.

Fugs!!

Thanks for that Andy. I looked at the Japanese maple already but have been told it won't grow where i am. I don't actually need a wind breaker. Just something that will grow in an exposed spot. Im not sure if a tree im looking for exists.

catastrophy

A mixed hedge left to grow informally might suit you. It will need occasional clipping though. Hawthorn might also be an option as its relatively slow growing and hardy.

Andy-Pandy

The best thing to do is to have a look at what is growing around you. Unless you are based in Connemara (are someplace like it) and nothing is growing around you then you will find lots to plant.

inocybe

Not a tree, but Cornus alba will grow to about that height and is very tough. Hazel can make a nice small tree, but will eventually reach higher than you want. But both of the above can be cut down to the ground for renewal.

periodictable

Any rowan/mountain ash should do well. Avoid maples as the acute branch angle is conducive to windsnap.
Crataegus like Paul's Scarlet would do well.