Picking Shade Trees That Will Fit Your Yard

Shade takes years to arrive, so the two questions that matter most with shade trees are how big the tree gets and how fast it gets there. This collection runs from compact Japanese maples to large canopy trees that top 60 feet, and it suits anyone planning shade over a patio, roof, or lawn.

Shade Tree Size: How Much Room a Canopy Needs

Mature height in this collection ranges from about 4 feet to well over 60 feet, with most trees reaching between 20 and 60 feet. Measure your planting space based on the tree's mature size, not its size at planting. Trees should be planted at least 20 feet from foundations, water lines, and septic systems, and 10–15 feet from driveways. Be sure to account for overhead power lines and call 811 to locate underground utilities before digging..

Large trees also catch wind. Trees.com's Alive & Thrive Guarantee™ replaces eligible plants once within a year of delivery, but it excludes storm damage, plants set outside their recommended zones, and improper placement, so a sound location does most of the protecting.

Fast Growing Shade Trees or Slower, Sturdier Ones

Fast growing shade trees can add several feet a year, which brings usable shade years sooner. The trade-off is often wood: quick growers tend to have softer wood that breaks more easily in storms and live shorter lives, while slower trees such as many oaks take longer to fill in but typically last longer. The fast growing trees collection is the place to compare speeds.

Best Shade Trees by Setting: Maple, Oak, and Smaller Options

The shade trees for sale here fall into a few families. Maple trees are the largest group. Oak trees reach a large size and are long-lived. Japanese maple trees stay small enough for a patio or entry, shading a bench or seating area instead of a whole yard. Match mature size to the spot first and let color decide last. If you want plants that grow in shade rather than trees that cast it, see shade-tolerant plants.