Shade Tree For A Lawn Area - Knowledgebase Question

Sunnyvale, CA
Avatar for frankieg54
Question by frankieg54
January 21, 2001
I currently have a fruitless mulberry as a shade tree on my lawn but have noticed
that the roots are starting to migrate to the surface. I would appreciate a
recommendation on what type of shade tree would be proper for a lawn area that
has southern exposure? The size of the lawn area is approx 1000 sq. ft.

I want a tree or perhaps two trees that would fill in a large area and drop all of its leaves during the
winter.

Thank you.


Image
Answer from NGA
January 21, 2001
Morus (mulberry) has a reputation for developing above-surface roots. They are wonderful shade trees, though, and provide a dense umbrella of welcome shade during hot summer months.

Just a word of caution: Any tree planted in a lawn that's regularly watered and fertilized will tend to produce a lot of surface roots. As trees mature these roots can rise several inches above ground level, tripping people and causing hazards for lawnmowers.

A few of the more well-behaved deciduous trees that you might consider include Acer griseum (paperbark maple), Cercis (redbud), Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) and Stewartia.

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