I want a nice shade tree, but I don't want one that will eventually tear up my lawn or sidewalk with its roots
Question:And I do know trees take yrs to mature, so I won't get the full use of it's shade for some time.
Besides, planting a tree helps the enviroment.
Any suggestions on what tree would be best to plant?
Answers:
for California gardens
MOUNTAIN AREAS (ZONES 1–3)
• Hawthorn (Crataegus species)
• Hedge maple (Acer campestre)
• Maples (Acer freemanii 'Autumn Blaze', A. grandidentatum)
• Chitalpa (C. tashkentensis)
• Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
• Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki)
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST (ZONES 14–17)
• Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki; best in zones 14–16)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ZONES 18–24)
• African sumac (Rhus lancea)*
• Australian willow (Geijera parviflora)*
• Chitalpa (C. tashkentensis)
• Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica; best in zones 18–21)
• Jacaranda (J. mimosifolia)
• Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)*
• Victorian box (Pittosporum) undulatum; best in zones 21–24)*
*Evergreen
For mountain gardens
• Hawthorn (Crataegus species)
• Hedge maple (Acer campestre)
• Maples (Acer freemanii 'Autumn Blaze', A. grandidentatum)
you could try a weeping willow.they provide excellent shade, but however it does take a while for them to reach their full growth.
Need to know where you are , & what size you need , & is it as it sounds - between the sidewalk & the street?
ps William, Weeping Willow is a horrible street tree . They don't tolerate drought & compacted soil well. They drop a lot of branches , break a lot , & are very disease-prone , in other words a liability problem.The leaves are difficult to clean up, so a hazard on the sidewalk. The form, would require a lot of trimming , hanging into the street & walk.
Go to the "National Arbor Day Foundation" site and they will give you great suggestions for your area, and how to plant etc. An excellent site for all your tree questions.
http://www.arborday.org/trees/righttreea...
A Maple tree
Some nurseries raise trees for use along sreets and sidewalks. They tend to have more compact root balls
A properly installed sidewalk won't crack because of tree roots.
Get yourself a nice Elm or an Ash tree. They have very nice canopies. You will need to research which ones will grow in your region. If you plant them correctly you wont have problems with the roots.
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