| I live in Northeastern Nebraska and would like to plant a tree that is sturdy, fast growing and good for shade. What suggestions do you have?? |
| Some of the best shade trees for your region include ? Bur Oak: Perhaps the most majestic of the native trees, bur oak can grow to be over 50 feet tall and more than 70 feet wide. Just one or two of these long-lived trees could easily provide all the shade necessary for a big backyard. Honeylocust: Compound leaves with tiny leaflets provide a filtered or "dappled" shade making it easier to grow other landscape plants under this tree. Linden: Drooping branches, an upright pyramidal form and heavy shade from tightly packed leaves. Linden is a favorite host of the cicadas and thus a major source of the summer "buzzing" sound. Elm/Hackberry: The architecture of these related species is one of upright when young and arching with age, making both them ideal for shade along streets and where activities are planned. Sugar Maple: A classic rounded form with fairly dense shade. This is one of the more beautiful shade trees when mature. Green Ash/White Ash: The ash species are typically oval when young and broadly vase-shaped with maturity. Although not as graceful as other species, they do make a good choice along streets and where activities may be desired underneath them. Cottonwood: Who hasn't enjoyed the shade of a cottonwood on a hot summer day? The soft rustling of the leaves is also an attractive feature of this native tree. Best wishes with your new shade tree! |
