Hi Fiona no big tree is going to be happy in a container long term. Would it be possible to remove an area of the hard surfacing and plant the tree in this (once you've added lots of compost etc.)?

how about getting a big container .putting it wear you want away from the buildings.then cut the middle of the bottem out and the tarmac cement underneath so the tap root can get down and not effect the tree.it will look put grown,grow big and wont be effected .moon grower is wright.if you leave it in just a pot youl bonzi it and keep it small.

Hi, Fiona welcome to GoY.
It can be done.
Depends on a number of factors. What do you mean by a 'big tree'? 6', 8', 10', 15', more? Will it be permanently placed? Where? Full sun, partial shade, full shade.
The container will need to be big enough to contain enough growing medium to support the tree and remain stable in very high winds. The right growing medium for the type of tree. Will it be in a secure location? (theft).
Deciduous, evergreen or conifer? Flowering, fruiting?
Good drainage is essential. Good drainage is essential. Good drainage is essential.
NOT: hawthorn, blackthorn, monkey puzzle (slow growing and thorny), beech (not drought resistant), laburnam, yew (poisonous), Lime (aphids), ash (last to leaf, first to drop leaf), leyland (grows too fast), sitka spruce (very sharp/prickly leaves), pines (sharp needles and produce stick sap when broken).
Good types: Maple, different types have attractive leaves, pale green in spring, darker in summer, beautiful Autumn colours. Rowan (mountain ash), many varieties lots of brightly coloured berries attractive to birds, good Autumn colour. Hornbeam can be a big tree but will be stunted a bit by growing in a container. Many conifers, some of which have attractive smelling foliage.
Japanese maples (my favourites) come in many varieties with beautiful leaf shapes and colours, stunning Autumn colours, slow growing, can be relatively expensive, susceptable to windburn (leaf tips crisping in cold winds) and a target to theft.
p.s. Think of the poor caretaker who'll have to sweep up the leaves in Autumn, you can't leaf them (bad pun intended) as the kids might slip on them.
I hope this helps. If it doesn' at least it gave you something to read. ;-)

im thinking Good drainage is essential lol tongue lol hope your well take care bye for now xx

Leigh, do you think I stressed enough how essential good drainage is?

just one more time i think lol in capitals lol.

Thanks a million for all the advice, you guys are quick! Did someone mention drainage ?!haha-point taken.!! will let you know what we decide on in the end, and how it goes.
Thanks again to you all, from fiona

your welcome

Only too pleased to help.