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RED MAPLE

The red maple is a good shade tree providing beautiful yellow and red fall color. This tree grows 40 to 60 foot tall with a rounded shape. The red maple has a wider spread than the sugar maple. "October glory" and 'Red Sunset' are the most common cultivars, providing beautiful orange red to red fall color. In early spring, reddish flowers appear, followed by red fruit. New leaves in the spring are reddish, turning to medium or dark green.

SUGAR MAPLE

One of the best fall-coloring trees, with brilliant yellow and orange colors. It grows 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide. It is narrow in its youth. This maple grows best in full sun on an open lawn.  The sugar maple is narrower than the red maple but has a denser branch and leaf structure.

RIVER BIRCH

Multi-trunked tree (usually three or four) with attractive soft white to cinnamon brown peeling bark. The tree has an airy appearance with small light green leaves. The leaves and small twigs fall throughout the summer, making the tree a little messy.  Fall color is yellow, but not spectacular. Popular tree which grows 40 to 70 feet tall and 40 to 60 feet wide.  Often, this tree is  planted too close to the house.  The tree tolerates wet soils and is found near swamps and streams, its natural setting. 

BALD CYPRESS

A native of southern swamps, bald cypress prefers moist, rich soil, but will tolerate poor dry soil. Bald Cypress grows quickly into a unique cone shape. Mature trees grow to 50 to 70 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. Its leaves are fine textured and needle-like. The leaves  are light green in the spring, changing to dark green in summer. The fall color is russet brown.

JAPANESE ZELKOVA

A shade tree best known for its V shape form and speedy growth. It grows to 50 to 80 feet tall with a similar spread and best grown in full sun. The zelkova resembles the American elm, but it is resistant to Dutch elm disease.

KATSURA TREE

Elegant, wide spread tree growing to 40 to 60 feet high and wide.  The katsura is good for large lawns and parks.

GINGKO

A large shade tree with brilliant yellow fall color.  Plant male trees only, as the female tree drops seeds with a very objectionable odor.  Gingko grows 50 to 80 feet tall with variable spreads.

WHITE OAK

One of the largest shade trees.  The majestic white oak grows to 90 feet in height with a 50-80 foot spread.  This slow growing tree may take up to 60 years to achieve its full height and spread.  The white oak is difficult to transplant and not commonly available in nurseries.  Plant in full sun and rich slightly acidic soil.

Willow

Trees Intro      Large Trees    
Japanese Maples     Flowering Trees
Return To Landscape 101