Fagus sylvatica 'Aurea Pendula' would take a long time to get to size, but it's a pretty neat tree. It needs morning sun and afternoon shade.

Dax

A conifer would be good however because there are many narrow kinds on the market and an evergreen tree on the north side would help cut the winter wind.

i am a visual sort.. why not a pic???

be nice to know where are you.. as z5 is about half the US .... and varies wildly in many variables other than min low winter temp .;..

ken

Just west of Leamington, Ontario. The Beech is a nice idea. Except not the weeping form -- I seem to have a thing about that. I saw a narrow purple leafed variety in Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto recently -- hadn't thought of it til now.

The other beeches will need more sun... even the golden colored fastigiate selections. 'Aurea Pendula' is in its' own camp.

There are snakebark maples to consider but their canopy's are likely going to be too wide. Acer pensylvaticum 'Erythrocladum' is however a slower growing cultivar than the typical species -- and with bright red twigs that are highly noticeable after the golden fall color providing winter interest. It may be a good tree for you.

Cornus officinalis is another you may take interest in. They're difficult to locate though.

Dax