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Q: I have a country property and would like to plant some good shade trees – what trees would you recommend?

A: There are a number of trees that you might consider, but these five would be among my recommendations:

• Sugar maples – This is the granddaddy of Canadian shade trees, an excellent and sturdy native tree (zone 4). It is slow growing and recommended for open, spacious areas. Incredibly beautiful in the Fall with its various shades of yellow, orange and red, it has a majestic globe form that spreads almost as wide as it grows high, which can be to a height of 20 metres. And you might even try your hand at tapping maple syrup for your children or grandchildren. On the other hand, your children’s children might decide to cut it down for its prized hardwood in making a cabinet dedicated to your foresight.
• Red maples – These native trees make a statement in the rural environment (zone 3). They are vigorous growers forming shapely, upright canopies with a good branching habit. Less spectacular than the Sugars, Red maples turn scarlet come Fall. Ideal for low-lying ground, there are a variety to choose from – Deborah, Rubrum and Native Reds. It is a rapid growing tree that can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. While young, it is pyramidal in form, becoming rounded as it matures.
• Honeylocusts – A strong, fast growing stately and distinctly symmetrical tree with small leaves that don’t cast heavy shade (zone 4). The dark green leaves hold till late fall when leaves turn yellow. The foliage keeps its beautiful appearance all summer. Virtually unknown 30 years ago, honeylocusts have become the new darling of the nursery trade. They can grow up to two feet annually and are virtually pest free.
• Oaks (Red, White and Pin) – A great shade tree that turns brilliant red in the Fall. A rapid grower, easy to transplant and does well in wet or poorly drained soils. Leaves hang onto the tree into winter. Grows to 80 feet (24 m) with a spread of up to 50 feet (15 m).
• Silver maples – The distinguishing feature of these trees is that they are very fast growing and hardy. I have planted them along my own roadway. They tolerate really tough conditions where other trees might fail. They have a very graceful habit with a silver-grey colour on the underside of the leaves and a distinctive grey bark. They do well in almost any soil and turn a rich yellow in the Fall.

See Our Trees for other zone-hardy varieties and descriptions of different tree characteristics (including Fall colours).