9 Superb Shade Trees

Shumard Oak

 

  • Grows to 120’ tall and 50’ – 60’ wide

     

  • Fast growing, up to 3’ per year after established

     

  • Deciduous tree (will lose its leaves in the winter)

     

  • Leaves are green and turn scarlet in the fall

     

  • Produces acorns, 1 inch long

     

     

Monterrey Oak (Mexican White Oak)

 

  • Sometimes referred to as an Upright Live Oak

     

  • Upright growing tree to 40’ tall and

     

  • Fast growing, up to 4’ per year after established

     

  • Semi-evergreen similar to Live Oaks (will keep their leaves through winter and drop them in the spring)

     

  • Larger leaves than a Live Oak (2”-5”)

     

  • Drought-tolerant

     

  • Produces acorns, 1inch long

     

     

Burr Oak

 

  • Grows to 80’ tall and 60’-70’ wide

     

  • Large leaves, 6”–12” long and 3” – 6” wide 

     

  • Fast growing and long-lived tree

     

  • Deciduous tree, will drop its leaves in the winter

     

  • Known for its deeply ridged, gray bark

     

  • It’s long taproot makes it drought-tolerant

     

  • Produces acorns 1” – 2” long

     

     

Summer Red Maple

 

 

  • Grows to 40’ tall and 25’ wide

     

  • Fast growing tree – up to 3’ per year

     

  • Leaves are 2” – 5” long

     

  • Deciduous tree, will drop it’s leaves in the winter

     

  • Burgundy red new foliage in the spring, outstanding yellow in the fall

     

  • Heat tolerant, little to no heat damage seen on leaves in the summer

     

     

October Glory Red Maple

 

 

  • Grows to 40’ – 50’ tall and 25’ – 35’ wide

     

  • Fast growing tree – up to 3’ per year

     

  • Leaves are 3” – 6” long

     

  • Deciduous tree, will drop it’s leaves in the winter

     

  • Dark green leaves in the spring and radiant orange-red leaves in the fall

     

     

Autumn Blaze Red Maple

 

 

  • Grows to 50’ tall and 40’ wide

     

  • Fast growing tree – up to 3’ per year

     

  • Leaves are 4” – 6” long

     

  • Deciduous tree, will drop it’s leaves in the winter

     

  • Known for their brilliant orange-red fall color

     

     

Sycamore

  • Can grow to 100’ tall and 70’ wide

     

  • Moderate grower, up to 2’ per year

     

  • Leaves are 4” – 12” long and wide

     

  • Deciduous tree, will drop it’s leaves in the winter

     

  • Known for it’s white bark with its unique pealing patterns

     

     

Fan Tex Ash

 

 

  • Grows to 25’ – 30’ tall and 25’ wide

     

  • Moderate Growth rate of 1’ – 2’ per year

     

  • Leaves are 5” – 8” long

     

  • Deciduous tree, will drop it’s leaves in the winter

     

  • This variety is all-male and does not develop the messy seed pods

     

  • Is heat tolerant

     

  • Showy fall color of golden yellow leaves

     

     

Pistache Tree

  • Grows to 40’ tall and 25’ – 35’ wide

     

  • Moderate growth rate of 1’ – 2’ per year

     

  • Leaves are 10” – 16” long and ¾” wide

     

  • Deciduous tree, will drop it’s leaves in the winter

     

  • Tree starts out gangly when small but fills out nicely as it matures

     

  • Deep roots, great for planting next to patios, sidewalks or drives

     

  • Stunning fall color of bright yellow, orange and red leaves in the fall