Big Old Shade Tree - what is your favorite species?

[mpham]

Maple for me.

 

[Oldoak]

White oak, red oak

:thumbsup:

Although you will be waiting for quite some time for them to grow big enough to provide the shade you are looking for. But as each year passes the growth rate accelerates. Oaks stand the test of time better than Maples and provide entertainment from all the different species of wildlife that feed on their acorns.

I know from experience. We planted Oak saplings many years ago and they are now 35'-40' tall.

 

[smstonypoint]

Cleveland pears were just banned in Ohio as an invasive species. Smelly and messy fruit. Many people do not flower smell. Brittle tree can break in wind storms. A very pretty tree with big down side.
I like oaks and maples

This reminds me of Bradford pears -- another invasive species.

Steve

 

[oosik]

Over here I have a maple - Crimson King.

 

[Streetcar]

This reminds me of Bradford pears -- another invasive species.

Steve

Cleveland was bred from Bradford

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I have two huge Maples in my yard; they do provide a lot of shade...but they also provide a lot of leaves in the Fall. The worse thing though is that I can't keep grass growing around the trunk; there is always a bare spot under them; but the same for my Oaks.

I think you're smart to check it out. I would be $5000 ahead if I had done some research 40 years ago on the selection and care of trees. I have removed two huge Cottonwoods near the house, plus several Pines. Redbuds are pretty, but they don't live a long time. Besides, my ignorance on the care and trimming of trees has produced some trees with split trunks, which makes them unstable, especially in this Oklahoma wind. I would check with my local Agricultural extension service.

 

[4570Man]

White oak, red oak

Maybe if you’re planting shade for your unborn grandchildren. Otherwise look elsewhere.

 

[CajunRider]

Live oak and Montezuma cypress
Of course planting that will be for the next generation. The ones I planted I will never get any shade from them.

 

[k0ua]

Soft maple trees provide excellent shade. We had a huge one in our front yard growing up. Yes there are leaves in the fall, and the helicopter seeds to come down too but it is still a great tree to spend many a lazy afternoon under. These soft maples are not to be confused with the hard maples that give maple syrup.

 

[deanocraft]

I'm from Louisiana and the prettiest trees down there are the live oaks. Unfortunately, they take a couple hundred years to get that huge muscular shape that is so appealing. I'd suggest something that adds color in the spring or fall and will grow fast enough that you might be able to enjoy the shade. I think Redbud, Dogwood, or Sassafras meet those requirements. Sassafras seems to grow the tallest of those, but they all grow fairly quickly in the south.