Types of Shade Trees
Shade trees do not have to be large, although there are ones large enough for the biggest lawn or garden. There are smaller shade trees for smaller areas as well. The choices include deciduous trees that shed their leaves every fall, evergreen trees and flowering ones as well. There are types of shade trees that are hardy in almost every zone in the United States, with the exception of the hottest zones in the far south. Does this Spark an idea?
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Oaks
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Black oaks are hardy in zones five to nine and grow to a height of from 60 to 80 feet, a width of from 40 to 60 feet and the green leaves have a velvet touch on the underside. Black oaks can take even the poorest soil conditions and climates from wet to dry. Eastern red oak is a fast grower and has spectacular fall color. It has moderate water requirements and can tolerate salty and alkaline soils. It will grow to a height of between 50 and 75 feet, a width of 40 to 50 feet and is hardy in zones four to eight.
Maples
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Red sunset will grow to a height of from 40 to 50 feet and a width of 30 to 35 feet and is one of the faster growing maples. It can adapt to a wide range of soils and is hardy in zones four to nine. Silver maples are medium to fast growing and are well adapted to wet conditions and poor soil but the wood is susceptible to strong winds and ice storms. The silver maple can reach a height of 100 feet and a width of 60 feet and is hardy in zones four to eight.
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Beeches
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American beech does best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. They need a moist well drained, non compacted soil, can grow to a height of 50 to 70 feet and a width of 40 to 50 feet. It has a slow to moderate growth rate and with young trees the leaves will stay on for the winter. American beeches are hardy in zones three to nine.
Chestnuts
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Chinese chestnuts produce edible nuts and can be used as a wind break. It has dark green leaves, grows to a height of from 40 to 60 feet and a width of about 50 feet. It needs a clay or loam soil, moderate moisture and does very well in hot weather. It is hardy in zones four to nine. European horse chestnuts can reach a height of 100 feet, but usually only reaches 50. It produces white and yellow flowers in the spring. It needs well drained moist soil and is hardy in zones three to seven.
Flowering
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Sweetbay or swamp magnolia is an evergreen that produces white flowers with a strong sweet fragrance. It is adaptable to any soil condition, needs a good deal of moisture and is hardy in zones five to nine. The tulip poplar is a fast growing tree that will reach a height of from 40 to 100 feet and a width of from 20 to 40 feet. It likes well drained most soil, is resistant to diseases and insects and is hardy in zones three to nine. It produces tulip like flowers in the spring.
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