Morning Jacky, I am a keen gardener with an RHS course behind me and I was taught that looking for trees with 3 seasons of interest for a garden is always a good idea ie blossom in spring, pretty foliage in summer and autumn fruit. Something like Amelanchier lamarckii which gets to 10m high and 12m wide has pretty dainty blossom in spring delicate bronze foliage in summer and red orange leaves in autumn. The birds also love the purple black fruits which follow. Or a Malus 'John Downie' or Malus Floribunda both vigorous crab apple trees with a long season of interest. I would probably not go for the Tuscan pillar conifers because they will act as pointers drawing your eye to the houses you are trying to screen. Birch (Betula Utilis var Jacquemontii are beautiful however they will reach 15m or possibly consider weeping birch Betula Pendula "Youngii' which makes a dome shape and gets to 8m high and 10m wide. Perhaps have a look at the RHS website which is very helpful.

Absolutely echo comments above regarding raising the soil level around the tree, a big no no as it will mean at best the tree will struggle and fail to thrive and will probably eventually die. Decking is a good solution if you want to install a seating area around the tree, with planting around it to soften the edges. I would maybe look at a composite decking as it will mean less maintenance and will not become as slippery as timber in a shaded area, also if going for a contemporary look it can look very sleek, especially if choosing a grey or even black. You could also add in some lower growing shrubs, herbaceous, spring bulbs etc and create a edge of woodland feel to this area, which would have interest and create a lovely view, whatever the time of year. What ever you do good luck.

Don’t want to be a party pooper but no lollipop tree will stay that shape without regular pruning. So if you don’t want to have to climb up a ladder and prune a tree regularly, you may be better to get a dwarf tree or large shrub. I bought a tiny Photinia red Robin from Wilkos two years ago and it is huge now, about 8 ft, so will need some drastic pruning very soon. Depends how much work you want to put in. Smallish trees you could try are Crabapple, Hawthorn, Cornus, Magnolia and dwarf Apple Trees. Amelanchier is a beautiful smallish tree but even that will grow to 20 feet or so. Here’s my tiny Photinia, I’m sure it’s a Triffid!

I have a patch of grass at the front of the house which is west facing but has a few trees that creates a bit of shade. Trying to think of types of trees that I can plant. There are quite a few deciduous trees nearby comprising of tall silver birch and an oak tree. Does anyone have any ideas what may be suitable for the grass patch?