Trees serve an assortment of purposes in our everyday lives. They not only cleanse the air, but also beautify landscapes everywhere, be they natural or maintained. Tennessee is known for its beautiful trees. They can also bring shade and comfort to your yard during those long, hot summer days.
Some types of trees are best for providing shade, especially if your yard space is limited. A shade tree can actually make your outdoor area feel 10-15 degrees cooler than the unshaded surrounding space. Let’s have a closer look at five of the best shade trees to consider planting here in East Tennessee.
Weeping Willow
These are known as some of the most eye-catching, yet visually imposing trees on the planet. They can grow to be 30 to 40 feet high and can have a span of 30 to 40 feet as well. With massive, drooping branches that provide a unique, enveloping brand of shade, these trees are best planted in larger yards. Their roots tend to be massive and will seek out water. For this reason, it’s best to avoid planting them too close to your home, pool, or septic tank, as the roots can infiltrate water lines. Your Bristol arborists at Promier Tree are just a call away, to help ensure the safe upbringing and maintenance for this monster of a tree.
Bald Cyprus
Considered a true “statement tree”, the bald cyprus can reach a height of 50 to 60 feet with a span of about 30 feet. Its conical shape with horizontal branches is particularly pleasing to the eye, but rest assured this is a tree that needs plenty of room to sprout and sprawl properly over time.
Sycamore
An utterly massive hulk of a tree, the sycamore can reach a height of 100 feet when fully mature. This tree draws quite a bit of attention from neighboring wildlife, as it blooms red flowers in the springtime, and produces fruit in the summer and fall. A fast grower, the sycamore can grow up to 2 feet per year as it approaches maturity. Given its massive size and shade-stealing qualities, it’s probably best to plant a sycamore away from other trees in order to maximize its shade potential.
Red Maple
One of the thickest, shade-giving trees you’ll find in the region, a red maple reaches about 65 feet high when fully grown. They yield smaller leaves than other maples do, but their year-round beauty is undeniable. In the fall, their leaves begin to sport a deep, vivid red – hence the tree’s name.
Sugar Maple
The most popular member of the maple family reaches a fully grown height of 75 to 80 feet. These trees are famous for producing delicious maple syrup. This variety of maple is also one of the easiest shade trees to maintain, and is a great tree option for backyards. In the fall months, bask in the splendor of the many hues of their foliage: red, orange, green and yellow.
Professional Tree Care in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee
Trees take years to mature, and caring is complicated. Mistakes in your own tree care could spell the loss of a breathtaking piece of future history. For the best results, contact the professionals at Promier Tree. Our staff includes ISA-certified arborists who are ready to help with your tree care and landscaping needs. Call Promier Tree today at (423) 765-2626 to schedule a consultation with one of our arborists.