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Recommendations for shade tree in zone 7

6 years ago

Does anyone have suggestions for a good shade tree in zone 7? I'd like something that grows medium to quick, is of medium size (enough to provide some shade, and block the large shed next door from having such a prominent view in my backyard) and also hearty, resistant to problems and pests. Someone at the nursery had recommended a katsura tree. I am considering but want to weigh my options. Soil is on the clay side, and it's a mostly sunny spot. (Lots of trees around, just not in our backyard.) Thanks for any suggestions!

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

6 years ago

Guys, as much as you favor your conifers, they are not considered shade trees :-) Shade trees are typically defined as deciduous trees with a large, spreading canopy grown specifically for the shade they cast. And while native species are great, they are not the only ones to consider. If one is going more for the privacy screening and less for the shade factor, then the conifers are perfectly suitable.

Here is a listing prepared by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources of trees recommended for that area. Not all are shade trees and some can/will get much larger than you need. The katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) could certainly be included on that list but that tends to grow into a large tree. Japanese maples are another possibility.

And I would not be overly concerned about growth rates. Trees that grow fast also tend to grow very large as well and often have structural issues that result in weak wood and breakage in winds and storms. Pick for features you favor - spring flowers, fall color, mature size - rather than rate of growth.

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Comments (8)

scotjute Z8
6 years ago
Generally use some type of native tree. Several oaks have medium growth rates. However most of them will eventually become big trees. Eastern Red Cedar is an evergreen that grows at medium rate and generally is a medium size tree. Probably take 2 or 3 of them to block the view.
toronado_3800
6 years ago
Google Nyssa sylvatica. The regular "wild" version has outstanding fall color. There are cultivars with red new growth. Both grow at a decent clip.

For an out of the box suggestion look up Metasequoia and its yellow foliaged cultivar "Ogon". They both grow FAST but do prefer areas not prone to drought, Ogon might prefer a bit of shade down there but could seemingly care less here. Their footprint, especially the more narrow Ogon's, is small for their height but they do grow tall.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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z7 is kinda vague.. could you be a bit more specific ...

ken
aprildch
Original Author
6 years ago
zone 7b. central MD
stuartlawrence (7b L.I. NY)
6 years ago
If you're looking for a tree that's not ordinary check out the variegated sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 'Variegata'. There's 2 of these tree's planted near my neighborhood and they are beautiful.
edlincoln
6 years ago
White Oak (Quercus alba) Willow Oak (Quercus phellos ) Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
John McMahon
6 years ago
blackgum tree (Nyssa sylvatica) would look good in this location.

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