Top 5 Shade Trees for Texas

Michael Fiore shares his top 5 shade tree recommendations and why.
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#smithsgardentown #letsgrow #shadetrees #texastrees #texasshadetrees #didyouknow #landscape #trees #chinesepistache #redoak #liveoak #burroak #pecantree

[rogerbec]

I have a huge pecan tree in my backyard. It's a large leaf pecan and although it does produce nice elongated pecans, the squirrels eat them all gone while still green. I love the shade it gives except the tree will sap in late summer early fall for at least two months so make sure you don't plant it near the driveway like I did. Also, feed it Epsom salt (it's a mineral actually) if you want to see the tree grow faster.

[jeffsilva]

Which trees would you recommend in your backyard, but not near the pool? But, don’t want a messy tree.

[rrfirefly]

What about the cedar elm? I see these all over central Texas. They are extremely hardy. Their leaves are tough and scratchy, which to me indicates that they tolerate dry conditions. The trees also grow like a single column -- a vertical trunk that works well in most planting locations. A small group of these will provide a wonderful continuous canopy. Also, what about crepe myrtles? I love seeing them in groups so that they form a wide continuous canopy. Great to be under these on a hot summer day -- the air and ground below them stays cooler.

[jinxtacy]

Any tips on a tree that makes some shade without just crushing the life out of the yard? I have a shantung maple that I've been trimming but it's like a bare spot and you can watch the dirt match the shadow. If I try a shade grass then in spring and fall the leaves fall and don't protect it and it dies then. I've decided that I need to give up on the idea of a shade tree and just settle for something that provides a mix of shade and sun or much smaller trees

[maritzamaritza]

What about the plumbing will any of trees aggressive trees ??? I love the growth and colors are amazing

[hippo-potamus]

The Monterrey oak will blow your entire list away. Hardy, super fast grower, semi evergreen, strong, long lived. How did you miss this most awesome tree?

[leydamoncada]

Okay any pointers. I live in Houston Tx, I would like a tree for shade for my front yard. Preferably something that's not messy since I take care of my own lawn 😅 and most importantly non invasive roots because of water pipe near.

[paulbehr]

Native Texan master gardener wants to know is there a Texas native pistache tree and does it bear edible fruit/nuts? Thank you 😊.

[chandracox]

Chonese Pistache is invasive. Why would you recommend that tree??

[puddintame]

Which of these options I wonder is the most drought tolerant. I can't water a pecan enough to keep it alive on my land. I soaked them the day before I left on vacation and in less than two weeks when I returned they were dead. Two year planted 1" diameter trees I watered every day from day one. Only missed those two weeks. That's not a viable shade tree in my opinion.

I've killed cedar elms, pecans as well as post oaks trying to get one to live on my lawn.

I am considering Eucalyptus or even, god forbid... a Mesquite. Is bur oak or red oak likely to survive on a sandstone hill? Black jack oak doesn't get big enough to provide substantial shade.

[makegreenteanotwar]

Why recommend an invasive Chinese pistachio when our native pecans and redbuds provide beautiful yellow foliage in autumn and bloom flowers in the spring

[jasmith]

Has anyone purposely planted a mesquite tree?

[johntouchet]

Nix Chinese pistache for Texas, invasive exotic.

[jmaegm]

Crepe Myrtle trees also provide decent shade plus flower beautifuly and small plants can grow around because it's not too much shade. Oak trees are boring plus too much shade nothing grows around.

[nfn]

So never plant any of those near your house.