Garden Spot

Picking the perfect shade tree

 

There’s an old saying that the best time to plant a tree was yesterday. With the recent high temps and watering restrictions, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Trees take far less water than grass and can lower the temperature under and around them by up to 10 degrees. Whether it’s for a tire swing, hammock, or simply to create a cool spot on the patio, there are a few helpful hints in picking out the perfect shade tree. 

Space is probably the most important factor when choosing a tree. Shade trees come in several shapes and sizes. If space is not an issue, then an Autumn Blaze or Sienna Glen maple are good options. These trees can grow to be 40 to 50 feet tall and wide and will get a brilliant orange red color in the fall. 

For a narrower spot, a Brandywine maple may be a good option.

These get around 30 feet tall but only 15 to 20 feet wide and will also have good fall color. A Dakota Pinnacle birch will stay even smaller, at around 8 to 10 feet wide. These are just a few examples of the variety of sizes of shade trees. 

Another trait to consider is the speed of growth of the tree. A general rule of thumb is that the faster the growth, the weaker the wood. For instance, a slow-growing oak is going to have much stronger branches than a fast-growing willow or birch. 

If you’re looking for a tree that will be around for your great-grandkids, then an oak or hackberry would be the tree for you. On the other hand, if you need shade fast, then a willow or Quaking Aspen might work. 

No matter the size or speed of the tree that you choose, I encourage you to plant many different varieties so that if an insect or disease does invade our area you might only have a couple of trees affected and not all of them.  

Happy planting, and always visit your local nursery for suggestions and questions.