I think you may be smart to look for shrubs rather than trees. There are some terrific shrubs that do well when limbed UP (pruned) to a tree-form.

Agreed. Trees that small are called shrubs. Quite a few to choose from depending upon what you want.

Dan

Ornamental shrubs don't provide a lot of shade tho.

I wouldn't think an 8' plant would cast a whole lot of shade for a person. If it's 8'x8', how would a person get under it? If you aren't concerned with an evergreen for year round coverage, perhaps a crape myrtle? One of the hardy ones that can handle your zone? Be mindful their shed flowers can damage some things; you wouldn't want them on your car, and maybe not staining a patio.

Have you looked at the Japanese Maples? One of the dissectum types with red foliage could give you a lot of color.

You mention 8'x8' - are you wanting a mound of vegetation, or are you wanting a 'lolly pop' - a 'stick' bare trunk below with a rounded crown of vegetation above?

Do you look weeping plants? Pyramidal? Evergreen or deciduous?

Richard.

Camellia or winterhazel might be good choices depending upon what you're looking for specifically. And there's always a japanese maple for any planting situation if you look hard enough for it (and are willing to pay enough!).

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'
Acer palmatum 'Filigree Lace'
Acer palmatum 'Marakumo'
Acer palmatum 'Karasugawa'
Acer mono 'Usu gumo'
Acer circinatum 'Monroe'

Dax

The OP might have meant they need a tree/shrub for a shady location rather than a tree/shrub to cast shade for shade loving people/plants.

Yes, I took it to mean there is shade already and looking for shade-tolerant specimens.

Dan

You must be a glass-half-full kinda guy.

Yes, my glass is indeed half full, but it is half-full of tainted groundwater made sour by Big Ag. ;o)

Dan