In the summer, shade trees keep your home cooler, saving you money and energy. According to a study published in Arborist News, a single shade tree properly positioned near a house will lower net carbon emissions from summertime power use by 31% over 100 years. However, there are other advantages to having well-placed trees. For example, some shade trees are expressly for the convenience of the inhabitants. By concealing the view of outsiders, shade trees can improve the privacy of a garden, patio, or backyard.
A shade tree is a vast tree whose primary function is to create shade in the surrounding area due to its spreading canopy and crown. It can relieve the sun’s damaging UV rays and sunburns for those seeking recreational purposes in urban parks and backyards during the summer. Shade trees should not be near chimneys because flying fire sparks can ignite tree branches, causing fires to spread quickly.
Contents
1.Weeping Willow
With annual growth rates of more than two feet, this famous shade tree is also a quick grower. While weeping willows flourish near water, various hybrids adapt better to dry areas. The tree can obstruct sewers and drains with its shallow, broadly dispersed roots. Weeping wild trees with a comparable width can grow to 30 to 50 feet high.
2.Red Maple
The red maple provides shade and a flash of color in the fall when the leaves turn a vivid red before falling. The red maple grows quickly—two to five feet each year on average—before reaching a height of 40 to 70 feet, providing seclusion and shade for your home or yard. This medium-sized tree has a canopy of about 30 to 50 feet at maturity. Since the red maple tree roots are low, it’s best to remove them from entrances, sidewalks, and other footpaths.
3.Silver Maple
The silver maple is a huge shade tree that grows three to seven feet per year and has silver on the underside of its leaves. The silver maple grows 50 to 80 feet tall with a 35- to 70-foot spread when fully mature. However, the silver maple’s rapid growth comes at a price: the trees’ frail limbs are prone to breaking in severe winds or heavy snow. Also, because of the shallow roots, silver maple trees should be away from driveways and sidewalks.
4.Sweetgum
The sweetgum is a famous shade tree with its distinctive star-shaped leaves and brilliant fall hues. Before reaching a mature height of 60 to 80 feet or more, this hardwood grows 13 to 24 inches a year. With a spread of 40 to 60 feet, the sweetgum provides enough shade in locations with enough outdoor space. The sweet gum prefers full light and will not grow in the shade. Songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks eat the fruit of the tree. The upkeep to preserve the space below the tree could be a drawback to the abundant fruit production.
5.River Birch
The river birch, sometimes known as water birch or the black birch, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. One and a half to three feet per year is the rate of growth for this tree. The river birch can be 40 to 70 feet high and 40 to 60 feet full grown. The river birch is a pioneer species as it is rapidly evolving. With abundant seed yield and rapid germination, these heat-tolerant flexible trees are great for riverside areas. Also, with the aid of soakers, the soil may flourish across the residential landscape to maintain its soil moist.
6.Tulip Tree
The tulip tree, sometimes known as the yellow poplar, is a huge, fast-growing deciduous tree of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. The tulip tree is prized for its unusual blossoms and lovely fall colors, in addition to its impressive size. Also, the tree attracts pollinators and offers food for deer and squirrels. Tulip trees grow at a rate of roughly two feet each year and can reach heights of 60 to 90 feet. At maturity, these famous trees have a conical shape and a 30 to 50-foot spread. Thus, the tulip tree is ideal for yards with plenty of space because of its massive size.
7.Texas Red Oak
This beautiful and fast-growing kind of oak does not only provide a thick canopy, but every year also provides a continuous supply of food to deer, squirrels, and turkeys. The leafy trees are dark green most of the year, but they turn a lovely shadow of scarlet in the autumn. The Texas red oak can reach a mature height of 50 to 80 feet and a spread of 40 to 65 feet, growing at a rate of around two feet per year.
8.Green Vase
Rich, dark green leaves turn bronzy maroon in the fall. The design of the vase is upright and arching, and the lush, dark green leaves turn bronzing red in October. The type of tree grows 65–75 feet high and 45–55 feet wide, prefers full sun to moderate shade, yet fits a broad spectrum of soil. Unfortunately, these quickly growing shade trees, making them viable city trees, and they all tolerate the wind, pollution, and drought.
9.Northern Catalpa
The catalpa, also known as the cigar tree or Catawba, has huge spectacular blossoms that add to the appeal of having this shade tree in your yard. Unfortunately, the catalpa sheds a significant amount of residues each season, so all those lovely blooms and leaves have to go somewhere. Plant the catalpa away from structures, fences, property lines, and septic systems, and leave plenty of room for it to thrive. This tree reaches a mature height of 40 to 70 feet and a spread of 20 to 50 feet. It also grows at a rate of 13 to 24 inches per year.
10.American Sycamore
The American sycamore tree, sometimes known as the American planet tree, can reach vast heights. Sycamores are commonly near rivers and ponds, but they can also be in residential yards if there is enough room. Sycamores in the United States grow at a moderate to fast rate, around two feet each year, eventually reaching a mature height of 75 to 100 feet or more. The tree’s spread is 75 to 100 feet, and these majestic trees can survive for 250 years or more. Unfortunately, the American sycamore produces a lot of debris, and wind and ice can injure the limbs of these giant trees.
Conclusion
From this article, we can conclude that trees produce the oxygen that we need to live. Trees reduce stormwater runoff, which helps prevent erosion and pollution in our waterways and the risk of flooding. Many wildlife species rely on trees as a source of food and shelter. Planting shade trees around a home might also help homeowners save energy during the summer as well.
