Although no type of shade tree is indeed superior to all others as to warrant the name “finest,” some are much better options for a house landscape compared to others. Choosing the proper tree for your requirements and place is especially significant, because trees typically represent a massive investment and one central to any landscape plan. Once established, the ideal tree can be permanent addition that will live for several years.
Red Maples
Though there are many species of pine trees, the red maple (Acer rubrum) is among the best choices. Red maples are quick growers that can reach a mature height of 60 feet with a rounded or oblong crown and create particularly dense shade. Among the first trees to bloom and leaf out in spring, several varieties such as “Red Sunset” and “Autumn Flame” also produce brilliant red fall color. Red maples are tough, long-lived trees that perform well in both rural and rural places and are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4 and above.
Black Gum Tree
The black gum or black tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica) is Mammoth, reaching a height of 30 to 50 feet at maturity, with a spread of 20 to 35 feet. Its overall shape is pyramidal, with a compact branching pattern and dark-green, lustrous leaves. In fall, its leaves eventually become many hues of yellow, orange, purple and red, making a spectacular display. The tree is a quick grower that prefers full sunlight and is unusually resistant to insect pests. It tolerates all types of soil and does well in many places, including spots that tend to be unusually moist. It is reliably hardy in USDA zone 4 and above.
Little-Leaf Linden Tree
Although a lot of trees belong to this genus Linden, the little-leaf linden (Linden cordata) is also an especially good choice for a shade tree in a house landscape. The tree is about 70 feet tall at maturity and contains a low-branched, oval to pyramidal shape. Its leaves are about 3 inches long plus a lustrous green colour, while its spring-appearing flowers are yellow and fragrant. The cultivar “Greenspire” is especially fast-growing, while the number “Chancellor” is much more narrow in shape compared to the indigenous tree. The little-leaf linden is a difficult tree that’s tolerant of most conditions and hardy in USDA zone 3 and above.
Lacebark Elm Tree
The lacebark elm tree (Ulmus parvifolia), sometimes called the Chinese elm, is a permeable shade tree that usually grows to a height of 40 or 50 feet. It has a rounded crown, an overall vaselike shape and long, pendulous branches that offer ample shade. The tree is famous because of its attractive, mottled bark that flakes to show newly colored patches, giving it the appearance of lace. It prefers full sun, tolerates both wet and dry conditions, and therefore is resistant to Dutch elm disease. Lacebark elm trees are reliably hardy in USDA zone 4 and above.