Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Shade Trees

Trees offer us so much and one of the elements that home owners love about them is how they provide shade. There are so many varieties to choose from when landscaping, let's take a look at some of the best shade trees.
For a tree to be a great shade tree it must have two qualities: it should be a fast grower so that one does not need to wait a decade to enjoy the benefits and it should also be strong and sturdy. For example, a Silver Maple will grow to great heights in a short amount of time, however it is often very weak when mature, bending easily and a target for pests.
Therefore, let's discuss great shade trees that grow rapidly while maintaining excellent structure and a strong solid base and branch system.
It should be noted that on average, trees will grow between one and two feet each year; therefore the following shade trees will exceed that by varying degrees. It will also help if you keep up a good routine of watering for at least the first five years and then rainfall can take over.
After year five, water only if there is drought and it appears that leaves are wilting without enough water. Also, the quality of the soil in which you plant your tree will make a big difference as well. It will provide your choice with essential nutrients for optimal growth.
The Northern Red Oak is an exceptional shade tree, as it will reach a mature height of approximately fifty feet. It will grow in the shape of having a large dome that offers quite a bit of protection from the sun, under which one may enjoy having a picnic or relaxing with a book. It grows best in zones 5-9.
The Freeman Maple is another good choice. The mature height is eighty feet and fifty feet wide. In the autumn is has strikingly gorgeous bright orange foliage. It does well in zones 4-7.
The Green Vase Zelkova is an unusual vase shaped tree that has branches that spread upright and leaves that are a deep green that turns a bronze hue in the autumn. It will reach sixty to seventy feet and roughly forty-five feet across. It can grow well in both full sun and partial shade and does well in many types of soils. It is very strong and does not easily bend with strong winds

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6056217

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