Shade Trees

If you're looking for a shade tree, here is some information on some worthy candidates.

Growth Rates

(Growth rates are subjective)

Slow:                1' or less annually

Moderate:  1-3' annually

Fast:     2-4' or more annually

Acer rubrum       

Red Maple

Height: 40-60'              Width: 30-40'               Growth Rate: Moderate-Fast

Features: Excellent red fall color; tolerates wet conditions

Acer saccharum        

Sugar Maple

Height: 60-75'              Width: 40-50'               Growth Rate: Moderate-Fast

Features: Excellent fall color that can be red, orange, or yellow

Betula nigra          

River Birch

Height: 40-70'              Width: 40-60'               Growth Rate: Fast

Features: Showy exfoliating bark; tolerates wet conditions; can be multi- or single-stemmed

Cercidiphyllum japonicum     

Katsura Tree

Height: 40-60'              Width: 40-60'               Growth Rate: Moderate-Fast

Features: Pest and disease resistant; yellow fall color; fallen leaves smell like cotton candy

Fagus spp.     

Beech

Height: 40-70'              Width: 35-60'               Growth Rate: Slow

Features: Various forms available; a large stately tree

Gleditsia triacanthos inermis             

Honeylocust

Height: 30-70'              Width: 30-70'               Growth Rate: Fast

Features: Casts dappled shade; bright green foliage, yellow fall color

Platanus x acerifolia    

London Planetree

Height: 70-100'                        Width: 65-80'               Growth Rate: Fast

Features: Beautiful bark on mature specimens; resists anthracnose; tolerates wet conditions

Quercus rubra        

Northern Red Oak

Height: 60-75'              Width: 60-75'               Growth Rate: Moderate-Fast

Features: Red fall color; acorns are excellent source of food for wildlife

Ulmus parviflora                                                                                                        Lacebark Elm

Height: 40-70'              Width: 30-60'               Growth Rate: Moderate

Features: Mature specimens have showy bark; vase shaped canopy; pest and disease resistant

Zelkova serrata                                                                                                          

Zelkova

Height: 50-80'              Width: 50-80'               Growth Rate: Fast

Features: Resistant to Dutch Elm Disease; orange-yellow fall color

Sources

This list has been compiled from experience  and information from Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs