Tree List
Shade Tree Project Tree List
Trees selected for the fall 2023 Shade Tree Project have been approved and selected by local arborists. When mature, they will be taller in size, provide good shade and have been adapted for our climate.
Below are the common characteristics of the trees being offered, including mature size, shape and other defining characteristics. Sizes are typical for the species; actual size at maturity may vary. These trees are chosen to grow tall and provide shade. Do not plant near overhead lines.
Please note: Not all trees available in all areas.
Common HackberryThis fast-growing hackberry can reach heights of 60 feet with a spread of 40-60 at maturity. It has beautiful rough corky bark and small fruit that turn from reddish-orange to a deep purple and are loved by birds. Its green leaves give way to a nice yellow color in the fall. It has a vase shape in youth maturing to an irregularly rounded crown. The hackberry has a high tolerance to drought once established.
- 45-60′ High
- 40-60′ Spread
- Vase Shape
Heritage River Birch ClumpThis multi stemmed specimen is a fast grower. It has beautiful beige or creamy white peeling bark. At maturity, it may reach heights of up to 50 feet with a spread of up to 35 feet. It has an oval shape in youth, maturing to a nice pyramidal to irregular form with yellow fall color. Inconspicuous flowers (catkins) appear in the spring and persist into the winter months. This specimen is tolerant of many soil types but does not do well in high alkaline conditions as its leaves will turn yellow.
- 50′-50′ High
- 35′-45′ Wide
- Oval Shape
iBur OakThis large oak has massive leaves which can reach lengths of 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. It has a round shape and can reach heights of 50 to 80 feet with a 45 to 80 foot spread at maturity; make sure this tree is planted in an area that can support its size. Its bark and branches are chunky and textured in appearance. The brown inconspicuous flowers are not showy giving way to quite large and attractive acorns. The Bur Oak has a high drought tolerance once established and can handle many soil conditions. Its leaves turn yellow in the fall.
- 50′-80′ High
- 45′-80′ Wide
- Oval Shape
New Harmony ElmThis tree has medium green leaves turning yellow in the fall with an upright vase shape. It is disease-tolerant for Dutch Elm and a hardy, fast-growing tree.
- 60’-70’ High
- 50’-60’ Wide
- Vase Shape
Red OakThis tree is known for its brilliant red fall color and rapid growth rate. Its brown flowers are not showy and are quite small; its acorns are roughly one inch. It has a round shape and can reach heights of 60 feet with an equal spread. The red oak has a high tolerance to drought once established and can tolerate compacted soils. Red Oaks prefer acidic soils and may not do well in highly alkaline soils present in some parts of the Treasure Valley.
- 60′ High
- 60′ Wide
- Round Shape
Swamp White OakSwamp White Oaks can grow to 50 feet or more with a 50-70-foot canopy spread. They are round in shape. They feature lustrous, heavy textured green leaves with wavy margins that turn yellow-brown to reddish purple in the fall. Oaks may not do well in highly alkaline soil.
- 50′-70′ High
- 50′-70′ Wide
- Round Shape
Sweet GumSweet Gums grow to 40 feet with a 25-foot spread. They have a pyramid to oval shape. Fall leaves will turn burgundy to red in color. Produce seeds termed as “gumballs”. Sweetgums have been approved by local arborists for this project. However, they may not work as well in highly alkaline soils found in some parts of the Treasure Valley.
- 40′ High
- 25′ Wide
- Oval Shape
Tulip TreeThis fascinating tree has a unique leaf shape and flowers with aromatic stems that bloom early in the season. Plant near a second story window to view these blooms. It’s a fast-growing tree with a yellow fall color. It has an oval to round canopy and at maturity, it may reach heights of 80 feet or more with a spread of 40 feet. The tulip tree requires well-drained soils.
- 80′-100′ High
- 30′-50′ Wide
- Oval Shape
Valley Forge ElmThese classic vase-shaped elms have a full sense canopy and yellow autumn leaves. They are disease-tolerant for Dutch Elm and adapt to a wide variety of soil conditions.
- 60’-80’ High
- 25’-35’ Wide
- Oval Shape
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