Everyone can agree the summer sun is what we look forward to during the cold winter months. However, some days the sun can be too strong for you, your family, and even your furry friends. Having fun in the sun, with a place to cool off under, is the ideal way to spend your days, and help keep everyone happy at summertime barbeques and pool days. 

In the article below, Cutting Edge Tree Professionals can help you pick the best trees for shade during the hot July days. 

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania - Oak Tree

Top 10 Shade Trees in Pennsylvania

  1. Black gum “Wildfire”
  2. Katsura
  3. Red Maple
  4. Freeman’s Maple Autumn Blaze
  5. White Oak
  6. Purple Beech
  7. Saucer Magnolia
  8. River Birch
  9. Gingko
  10. Littleleaf Linden     

For more information about each tree!  

These trees are particularly large, so keep that in mind when picking out your next beautiful addition to your yard or garden!

Growth Time and Height

Every tree is different so when you do decide to purchase one of these shade-providing trees, it is always key to keep in mind how long they grow and how tall they will get. We will be covering the height each tree reaches within a 25-year timeline. 

  • Black Gum– 40-50 feet in 25 years
  • Katsura– 50-60 feet in 25 years
  • Red Maple– 50-60 feet in 25 years
  • Freeman’s Maple– 50-60 feet in 25 years
  • White Oak– 80 feet in 25 years
  • Purple Beech– 50 feet in 25 years
  • Saucer Magnolia– 30 feet in 25 years
  • River Birch– 40 feet in 25 years (this species can grow very fast!) 
  • Gingko– 50 feet in 25 years (this species is also a fast grower)
  • Littleleaf Linden– 70 feet in 25 years

In this section, we want to dig deeper into each species of tree to help you search for a tree to create that shady nook in your yard or garden. 

Black Gum “Wildfire”

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania Black Gum
  • The Black Gum tree is a native species to Pennsylvania. These trees are great for shading areas due to the large glossy leaves they grow that shine even brighter in direct sunlight. 

This tree thrives in:

  • Full sunlight or partial shade
  • Can grow in wet soil → can grow in low areas of landscapes
  • Can be planted alone or in groups of other trees
  • Does not do well in areas of high pollution
  •  Acidic, medium to wet, drained soils.

Can tolerate:

  • Droughts

Katsura

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania - Katsura
  • This species is native to Japan, however, it is seen throughout North America in the northern, and midwestern states. It is an amazing choice for creating shade in your yard or garden. 

This tree thrives in:

  • Moist and well-drained soil
  • Full and partial sun exposure

Can tolerate:

  • Alkaline Soil
  • Clay Soil
  • Road Salt
  • Wet Sites

Red Maple

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania - Red Maple
  • This species of tree is native to the Chicago, Illinois area and is a very common tree planted within the eastern part of America. This tree needs plenty of room for growth due to its dense root spreading. 

This tree thrives in: 

  • Acid Soil
  • Moist and well-drained soil
  • Full and partial sunlight
  • No pollution

Can tolerate

  • Alkaline soil
  •  Clay soil
  • Occasional flooding
  • Wet sites

Freeman’s Maple

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania - Freemans Maple
  • This species of tree is also native to the Chicago, Illinois area! It is very common in Pennsylvania and is a very popular tree that is planted because of the brilliant colors of its leaves. It is also less susceptible to chlorosis symptoms than other Maples. 

This tree thrives in:

  • Full sun exposure
  • Moist and well-drained soil
  • City Parkways
  • Residential areas

Can tolerate:

  • Alkaline soil
  • Clay soil
  • Dry sites
  • Occasional droughts
  • Occasional flooding
  • Wet Sites

White Oak

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania - White Oak
  • This tree is again, native to the Chicago, Illinois area. This tree is one of the largest on our list and needs to have ample room to grow to its largest height. This will be seen in larger landscapes like parks or larger yards. 

This tree thrives in:

  • City parkways
  • Residential areas
  • Parks
  • Full sun exposure
  • Medium and well-drained soil

Can tolerate:

  • Dry sites

Purple Beech

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania - Purple Beech
  • The Purple Beech is also known as the Copper Beech or European Beech. The Purple Beech is not native to America, however, it is often planted in the Northern part of America, including Pennsylvania. 

This tree thrives in: 

  • City parkways
  • Residential areas
  • Parks
  • Full and partial sun exposure
  • Medium and well-drained soil

Can tolerate:

  • Alkaline Soil

Saucer Magnolia

Shade Tree in Pennsylvania - Magnolia
  • This species of tree is known most for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring and throughout the summer. It is also not native to America, however it is seen throughout the northern part of America. 

This tree thrives in:

  • Residential areas
  • Parks
  • Full and partial sun exposure
  • Acidic soil
  • Moist and well-drained soil

Can tolerate:

  • Alkaline soil
  • Dry sites

River Birch

  • This species of tree is a fast-growing tree native to the Chicago, Illinois area. It is known for its peeled look, having an almost pink outside with a lighter inside. This species of tree is also resistant to bronze birch borer, which resembles a cricket. 

This tree thrives in:

  • Residential areas
  • Parks
  • Restricted sites
  • Full sun exposure
  • Acid soil
  • Moist and well-drained soil
  • Wet soil

Can tolerate:

  • Clay soil
  • Occasional flooding
  • Road salt
  • Wet sites

Gingko

  • This species of tree is in the group of larger trees on our list. The Gingko tree is not native to America however, again it is seen planted frequently in the northern part of America. Something special about this species is they are pest-resistant. 

This tree thrives in:

  • City parkways
  • Residential areas
  • Parks
  • Restricted sites
  • Full sun exposure
  • Moist and well-drained soil

Can tolerate:

  • Alkaline soil
  • Clay soil
  • Dry sites
  • Occasional droughts
  • Road salt

Littleleaf Linden

  • The last species of tree on our list can also grow to large heights like some others on our list. It is not native to America but is planted frequently in the northern parts of America. This tree is prone to attack by Japanese beetles, however, that should not be an issue in Pennsylvania. 

This tree thrives in:

  • City parkways
  • Residential areas
  • Parks
  • Full sun exposure
  • Moist and well-drained soil

Can tolerate: 

  • Alkaline soil
  • Occasional drought

For more information on each species, read this credible article by some tree experts!

We Are Here to Help!

If you are struggling or do not have as much knowledge of trees for shade, we are here! We can help through our social media, where we will be posting about trees that are best for shading your yard or garden. We will help you with new tips and tricks to give you your dream yard or garden. With our knowledge of the area and which tree species will thrive most in your area, we can help you every step of the way! At Cutting Edge Tree Professionals we are available all year round and can come for inspections at any time. Give us a call at (814)-201-9757 or set up a consultation today, we are here to help! 

Sources For Images

Image For Black Gum Tree

Image For Katsura

Image For Red Maple

Image For Freeman’s Maple

Image For White Oak

Image For Saucer Magnolia

Image For River Birch

Image For Ginkgo