How to manage live oak sprouts and protect young shade trees. By Calvin Finch May 23, 2025. Mature live oak trees often have sprouts that originate from the roots. jennifer m. ramos/Getty Images.

The northern red oak is a medium-sized, deciduous shade tree with a growth rate of two feet per year. The tree reaches a mature height of 60 to 75 feet and has a 45-foot spread.

Considered among the best shade trees for the backyard, the sugar maple can also serve as an ornamental tree. It’s no wonder this is an American favorite for the yard. 4.

Numerous oak species are native to or common in Pennsylvania, where they populate forests, grow as back-yard shade trees, and serve as arguably the best host plant for bird-feeding caterpillars.

One of our favorite fast-growing shade trees, the hardwood tulip tree can grow more than 2 feet during a year. It has few pest problems, making it an ideal choice for big backyards where there is ...

Naturally found in the dry Piedmont region, scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) is another shade tree you may grow if you've the space to accommodate its 45-foot-wide and similarly tall frame.

Fall is the ideal time to plant hardy trees, shrubs, ground covers and vines. If you've been thinking about adding a shade tree to your landscape, do it now. Oaks are a popular option.

Transpiration is what helps trees to naturally cool the area underneath them. A large tree has been estimated to transpire 120 gallons of water a day during the summer.

Question: I recently had an oak tree removed from my yard and want to replace it with a nice tolerant shade tree. My yard measures 65x35. What are the best noninvasive shade trees to plant in my area?

An investigation into plants suitable for placement under an oak tree is pertinent to shade gardens in general. To be precise, we are talking about a niche microclimate known as dry shade.

Question: Are there evergreen shade trees other than live oaks that will do well in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in our black clay soils? — T.A., Richardson Answer: Live oaks, although excellent ...

An oak tree 14 inches in trunk diameter is not a big tree. I doubt its fallen leaves have affected soil pH, but certainly its shade and other issues with the soil could be a concern.