Shade Trees for Small Spaces

Unless you have a lot of space, stay away from trees like Cottonwoods, Mulberry, Ash, or Willows. These need a minimum of 25’ – 30’ distance from your home, sidewalks, or block walls. Why? These trees have vigorous surface roots that can crack foundations, heave sidewalks, and knock over walls. Plus if their large branches overhang your home or office, they can cause considerable damage if they break and fall.

Trees That Please Nursery propagates many shade trees ideally suited for home or business owners with limited space. These trees include those with deep root systems (tap roots) and / or those with smaller canopies. Some of the shade trees for small spaces that we propagate include:

Texas and Chisos Red Oaks

Fast growth (1’-4’ per year)
Canopy 35’ – 40’ tall, 20’ – 25’ wide, makes acorns, Chisos Red Oak slightly smaller
Tap root
Fall Color- Gorgeous Red- Maroon

Shantung Maple

Fast growth (1’-3’ per year)
Canopy 25’ tall and wide
Deep roots
Fall Color- Yellow-Gold

Chinese Pistache

Fast growth (1’-3’ per year)
Canopy 25’ – 30’ tall and wide
Tap root
Fall Color- Various shades of Red-Pink-Orange-Yellow

Chinquapin Oak

Fast growth (1’-3’ per year, occasionally up to 8’ annually)
Canopy 40’ – 45’ tall, 25’ – 30’ wide, edible acorns
Tap root
Fall Color- Yellow, some specimens turn Red-Orange

Golden Rain Tree

Moderate growth (1’-2’ per year)
Canopy 20’ - 25’ tall, 20’ – 25’ wide
Deep roots, Persistent seed pods that look like Japanese Lanterns
Fall Color- Yellow-Gold

Desert Willow

Fast growth (1’-4’ per year), extremely heat & drought tolerant
Canopy 18’- 25’ tall, 18’-25’ wide
Deep roots, multiple trunks, flowers (available in pink, burgundy, and white) all summer
Fall Color- Yellow

Gray Oak
Fast growth (1’-3’ per year),
Canopy 35’ – 40’ tall and wide
Tap root, Evergreen, makes acorns
Fall Color- Leaves are evergreen

Gambel Oak

Moderate growth (1’-2’ per year)
Canopy 25’-30’ tall, 20’ – 25’ wide, makes acorns
Tap root
Fall Color- Yellow, Orangish-Yellow

New Mexico (Escarpment) Live Oak

Moderate growth (1’-3’ per year)
Canopy 18’ – 25’ tall and wide, multiple trunks
Tap root, Evergreen, makes acorns
Fall Color- Leaves are evergreen

Visit Trees That Please Nursery for more information and pricing. Our summer hours are daily 9-5 and that’s seven days a week.

Photos & Narrative By:

Stephen Sain
Staff Plant Physiologist