Investing in quality shade trees

When choosing a large shade tree, one must always deal with a conundrum – there is an inverse relationship between the quality of the tree and the rate of growth. Trees that grow fast and produce quick shade tend to be short-lived, weak-limbed, and disease/pest-prone. Quality broadleaf trees generally grow more slowly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with planting a fast-growing tree like a cottonwood or green ash. You just need to understand that they are what they are. They will quickly produce usable shade and greenery within a 5- to 10-year span.

Unfortunately, they are prone to insects and disease. Eventually (20 to 50 years), health issues manifest, and limbs come crashing down. While diseased and damaged trees can live a long time, they become unsightly and dangerous. There are exceptions, but this is the general trend. Being human, we want everything now. Considering our life span is only 80 to 90 years, we often choose the quicker option despite the consequences.

A good solution is to plan ahead and plant both a quick shade variety and a longer-term ‘investment tree’ at the same time. It takes forethought and patience, but this can be accomplished in most situations. Plant your quick shade tree with the understanding that it will be removed once the quality tree needs space or is beginning to provide adequate shade. We plan for retirement. We should plan for our yard (or that of a future generation) with the same mentality. Here are a few investment trees to consider. All are adapted to our climate and high-pH soils.

Please note that these are large shade trees that will need space to grow.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – Sometimes called a living fossil, this unique species has been around for a long time. There have been fossils of this tree dating back 270 million years. It has no insect or disease problems. Its characteristic fan-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall. It does best in full sun but can handle some shade. It copes with most soils. You should make sure to purchase only male trees of this species as the fruit of the female ginkgo tree is messy and stinks. Reputable nurseries will only sell male trees.

Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) – Bur oak is relatively free of severe insect and disease problems. It is fairly tolerant of soil compaction and heavy clays. Bur oak does not tolerate flooding or saturated soils. Bur oak is very drought tolerant and handles many types of stresses, making it extremely long-lived. It should be planted in full to nearly full sun. Though it may not exhibit iron deficiencies, in our area its growth rate can be accelerated with the addition of EDDHA iron chelate.

Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) – Though it can resemble the undesirable Siberian Elm, it does not share the elm’s filthy habits and weedy nature. This tree is faster growing than the other trees listed here yet still has their quality characteristics. It is drought and clay tolerant and can handle more shade than the others. There are a few insects that feed on common hackberry but trees are not typically harmed by their presence.

Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) – An excellent landscape tree that is seldom planted but should be more often. Its seed pods, resembling large pea pods, can be somewhat messy, but usually are not abundant. It tolerates most soils and prefers full sun. It has a ‘coarse’ texture that create variety in your landscape.

Finding and purchasing these trees can be challenging. Tree dealers with local experience are more likely to sell them. Be willing to spend more. Remember, you are making a long-term investment in this tree. The quality is worth the price.

The best time to have planted a tree is 30 years ago, the next best time is right now. An investment in a quality tree will pay dividends sooner than you imagine, and you will be making the future a better place to be.