Technically, any large (or medium) sized tree has the potential to have invasive roots - it is just that some are more invasive than others. Structural problems are usually not caused by root upheaval, but by the reduction in moisture in reactive clay soils which cause soil shrinkage and potential movement in the foundations. It is usually a good idea not to plant trees and shrubs no closer to the house than their mature height - so, a tree that grows 8 metres should be planted a minimum of 8 metres from the house. As far as shady trees are concerned, you may want to look at the Blush Macaranga - grows to 6 metres and produces one of the best shade canopies of large heart shaped leaves I have seen. It self-seeds prolifically, however, so you need to be careful. Some of the grafted gum trees may be okay - 5+ metres high with very showy flower displays in summer. Ian

I have never done one of these Vonney, but I have done many others. I think the best way is to start when the tree is quite small. I start off by removing any of the lower branches which I feel won't fit the picture, then just gently prune the top to the slightly rounded shape as desired. Don't feel you have to do it all in one go. As the tree grows just keep 'adjusting' it to suit the look and size you want. I find a little bit often works best. Cheers, Dee.

I'll second Mallee's suggestion of Clematis, especially microphylla. I have a two-year-old one which would cover a stump that size well but not overflow too much. It's a delicious froth of white flowers for quite a long time in spring, and is good looking and sun-hardy even when not in flower. I haven't succeeded in getting fertile seeds. Wish I'd bought multiples of the plant when I had the chance, as I haven't seen it for sale since. It's the Crows Nest Shire Council not the Toowoomba one which sells local natives, Artie. I wonder whether any of your surrounding councils would be a source? In Crows Nest's case, the nursery is a by-product of an active revegetation programme, and largely the result of the work of one particular person who has had the push to keep it going. Would you be able to get hold of local plants by getting into conversations with people doing revegetation? Landcare and Greening Australia might be starting points? Here, there are two really good sources of local natives, but they both need to be telephoned in advance, as there doesn't seem to be a full-time income in running that kind of nursery. The more commercial nurseries quote lack of demand, but also say that they don't get these plants in because suppliers require them to get them in in large quantities, so even when the demand exists they won't fill it until it is a BIG demand. They also say they don't like dealing with small suppliers because they don't provide the pretty-coloured labels. Mass market economics rule, alas. Trish

Waterhousea Floribunda is, indeed, a myrtle. Although I havent grown mine from seed, I must say that it took a considerable amount of time (6 months, by my estimate) to take off, but now shows every sign of being the tree that it will one day become. Some of my Syzygium and Acmena myrtles are showing signs of stress in the Rocky summer, but the WF cant seem to get enough of it. Good luck with your propagation endeavours.