There are many mini trees that love pots, but watering will become a chore (I speak from experience). They crop as well as many dwarf trees. Big heavy pots are best to stop them toppling. Or you can make planters with marine ply or pressure-treated gravel boards that will last for years. Don't try internally waterproofing with bitumen as this kills plants! I fibreglassed the interior of some of my large planters.
For example
http://www.jparkers.co.uk/plant-0001...e-golden-spur/
Trees will also suck the moisture out of the soil for metres all round, and can cause subsidence, not only of the patio, but of houses nearby! And your neighbours might get miffed about overhanging branches. They have the right to cut them to the boundary line.
If you grow in planters, pots, remember NOT to sit the pot directly onto the ground, but raised on feet or bricks. This will stop little roots getting out and becoming big underground roots!!
Think "Bonsai"
