Looking for shade trees? When it comes to finding the perfect shade trees for your outdoor space, there are many factors to consider, including durability, hardiness, and overall aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right type of tree can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your landscape or garden, making it important to make an informed decision.
Luckily, if you happen to reside in Austin, Texas, Dripping Springs, and the surrounding areas, there are several fantastic tree options to choose from. You have several choices that can provide ample shade coverage while adding a touch of natural beauty to your space.
One of the most fantastic options that you can explore is the Monterrey Oak.
The Monterrey Oak is renowned for its adaptability and lush, vibrant foliage. It is one of the fastest growing Oaks you can plant. It can reach heights from 30-50′. Many people think it is evergreen when in fact it is not. It is generally resistant to oak wilt and although not technically evergreen usually holds its leaves similar to a Live Oak where it cycles with new spring growth- dropping the old as new leaves emerge. The photo at the left is a Monterrey Oak at Zilker Park in Austin, TX. It is excellent for screening, layering as well as the perfect shade tree.
If you’re looking for a unique tree that stands out, then the Mexican Sycamore is an excellent choice.
The Mexican Sycamore is fastest growing of the shade trees. This Texas native has huge broad green leaves with silver backs that shimmer in the wind. They have a unique exfoliating bark. With age, its silvery-white bark turns into a smooth white trunk as shown in the photo to the left. They can reach heights of up to 30-60′. It is a popular choice of the landscape architects as it is fast growing, and provides architectural interest with it’s size and unique bark. Another feature of the Mexican Sycamore is it produces large round ball like textured seed pods in the late summer/ early fall.
The Texas Red Oak, on the other hand, offers brilliant autumnal foliage in tones of red and orange.
The Texas Red Oak is a Texas native tree and is drought tolerant once established. It possesses a sturdy and robust structure that provides ample shade and shelter. It can reach heights between 30-50′. At Vivero Growers we sell the Texas Red Oak that are grown from seed collected in the Hill Country which differ from the Shumard Red Oak which is native to the eastern soils of Texas.
Lastly, the Chinese Pistache is another beautiful option.
The Chinese Pistache sports striking colors in the fall, making it an excellent choice for those who want a tree that adds a pop of color to their outdoor space. It is one of the most intense examples of fall foliage in the area. The Chinese Pistache is drought tolerant once established and can reach heights between 30-60′.
