Yes.

Roots damaging the foundation is...not a myth, exactly, but not nearly as common a problem as people think. Roots get into cracks in old foundations that are starting to crumble already and make cracks bigger. They seldom get into intact foundations of modern houses. I grew up in a house with several trees within 10 feet of the foundation and spent my summers at a vacation house with trees within 3 feet...neither house ever had trouble.

A Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) might work. The males don't have fruit. Maybe an Eastern Redbud? No fruit but they have pods. (Be careful, some of the fancy cultivars don't survive in Zone 5, get a species tree from a northern seed source.) Perhaps a Star Magnolia? Really though, what you are looking for is a large shrub. Perhaps a Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)?

I wouldn't plant either a pagoda dogwood or a redbud there as either will get far too large for the required size.

what ed says as to the foundation ...

trees do NOT cause problems ... with a modern intact poured concrete foundation ... but they can take advantage of pre existing problems ... e.g. a 100 year old field stone basement ... or a mayan temple with no grouting .. lol ... bet we can rule that out.. lol ..

same with sewers .. modern welded pvc.. no issue.. old clay tile pipes with oakum packing.. roots might get in there ...

10 feet is too close for any tree.. imo ... i like the shrub pruned into a tree as a better idea ...

ken

Any of our suggestions in the right ballpark?

What part of the world are you? Is Emerald Ash Borer there? Is the soil compacted, swampy, or sandy?

Wisconsin, clay soil, emerald ash is in the near vicinity. I do have a Pagoda Dogwood in another part of the yard. I think Fringe Tree is lovely but may be too big for that area, this is currently a very popular tree in my village, planted by private landowners and the village. Star Magnolia is another widely planted tree here but is a possibility. I had wondered if a Northwind Japanese Maple would be a good choice, it only gets to be about 10 feet wide, but don't know if it can handle the sun and wind in that location.

I think a trimmed up shrub might be the best choice, maybe the hydrangea. Going to Minor's today, they have Limelight in tree form. But just window shopping for now.

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

A sterile Rose of Sharon would work well. I wouldn't plant any that aren't sterile though. That's if they're hardy for you.

A Northwind maple will become way too large.

There's lilacs;

There are dwarf/compact Gingko's that are male (no fruit ever.) One is 'Jade Butterflies'. There are many.

A Betula nigra 'Little King' may be a good choice; it may however outgrow that spot. You should check into that though if river birch peaks your interest.

Dax

Dax, how ironic. While window shopping at the nursery I saw a Rose of Sharon. My husband loves Rose of Sharon and it only grows about 10' high by 8' wide. A neighbor removed his from our neighboring lot line so I know this choice would make hubby happy. How do I ensure I get a sterilzed one? Thanks!

Hurray for Google...found a list of sterile Rose of Sharon.

For more irony-the fact the village is enamored of fringe tree-as emerald ash borer-which can affect fringe tree-hovers nearby. Just saying.........

Cool Deb!

Sometimes I get it right or shall I say lucky~

Dax

Tom, to be clear, you are saying the emerald ah borer will also attack fringe trees? I have been saying for 30 years that the public works department knows nothing about trees, especially how to trim them. Called the head guy out on it last year. He was not happy. This info just confirms what I have always know. Thanks for the info.

Dax, lucky is always good.