Shade Trees

 

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Properly selected and planted shade trees add both economic and aesthetic value to your property. Trees may reduce home energy costs and increase property value. Large trees may be an asset or a liability depending upon the species of tree and site selection. Here are some species that make excellent shade trees. 

 

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 v. 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: Compiled from experience and information from Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs. For more information visit us on the web at www.behmerwald.com