Big Old Shade Tree - what is your favorite species?

[goeduck]

What shade trees do you like? I understand the varieties would be somewhat region specific. I am in need of planting a shade tree to the west of my house and am curious what trees people like all things considered. ie typical health, if they are always messy, appearance.... I always thought a shade tree should be deciduous even though this is evergreen country.

 

[4570Man]

Maple trees are my favorite yard trees. They’re pretty clean trees and grow fast enough to make this idea practical.

 

[mddorange]

If you want a decorative tree, the Cleveland Pear was bred just for that. It is a fast growing tree that keeps its shape and won't grow too big. Plus, it has beautiful white flowers in the spring.

You can read about it here: https://www.lowes.com/pd/3-25-Gallon-Cleveland-Select-Flowering-Pear-Flowering-Tree-L5397/3631282

 

[hslogger]

Being up on the Washington Coastal area, of course big leaf maple would just grow like crazy. Brittle in the end, but fast growing. Get a native one.
Other suggestion is Black Locust. Slower to get established, long living tree. Talk to one of your local arborists or certified nurseryman.

 

[AWSubie]

White oak, red oak

 

[spitter]

biggest around here white sycamore.

 

[square1]

White oak, red oak

^^^ this ^^^
Of course if you plant the oak, your children's children will benefit from the shade.

 

[Streetcar]

If you want a decorative tree, the Cleveland Pear was bred just for that. It is a fast growing tree that keeps its shape and won't grow too big. Plus, it has beautiful white flowers in the spring.

You can read about it here: https://www.lowes.com/pd/3-25-Gallon-Cleveland-Select-Flowering-Pear-Flowering-Tree-L5397/3631282

Cleveland pears were just banned in Ohio as an invasive species. Smelly and messy fruit. Many people do not flower smell. Brittle tree can break in wind storms. A very pretty tree with big down side.
I like oaks and maples

 

[Thomas]

Maple than oak until the nuts start falling...ouch.

 

[Jstpssng]

Maple.