I’ll be looking at types of canopy trees in this article, so keep reading!
For those who don’t know, a tree canopy is the tree’s highest part, consisting of branches and leaves. Every tree has a canopy, some larger than others.
Here is an article on canopy disengagement.
Classes Of Canopy Trees
There are different types of canopy trees, and they all provide some amount of shade. However, trees with tall trunks and long, dense branches have larger canopies and give a lot more shade.
Such canopies can create shades that cool the immediate environment by as much as 20 degrees!
Let us take a look at the types of canopy trees.
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Large Deciduous Shade Trees
Large deciduous trees are among the most prominent canopy trees on Earth. Their size is a significant factor here.
They are tall, and their branches spread wide, allowing them to shade and cool large areas.
The function of this group of trees goes beyond shading your patio or deck. They are also responsible for creating an ecosystem for understory plants. Examples of these understory plants include dogwood trees and azaleas.
Family members of large deciduous trees capable of impacting the environment and immediate ecosystem include ash trees, oak trees, maple trees, and elms.
Factors To Consider Before You Plant Large Canopy Trees
Large deciduous canopy trees are remarkable (no pun intended), but you must consider some factors before planting them in your yard.
These include –
Lawn maintenance – Large canopy trees have a lot of leaves, so you have to deal with a yard filled with them.
While fallen leaves are great for the soil, they can also be inconvenient. You have to constantly rake them up to keep your lawn looking neat, especially if you’re the type that loves hosting friends at barbeque parties.
Potential hazards – Large deciduous trees have long, thick branches. While these may seem harmless, you might want to consider how dangerous they could be if they fall off unexpectedly.
It is no news that heavy storms can blow off tree branches, especially those decayed or dead. When such a branch falls, it may not only damage your property. It could hurt or kill a person.
The worst is when the tree itself falls. The damage it would cause would be of significant proportions.
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Small Deciduous Canopy Trees
These do not provide the same shade as their taller counterparts, but they have advantages.
First, they are usually lovely, so what they lack in excessive cooling ability is made up for beauty. Secondly, since their branches are smaller, they carry fewer risks than large deciduous trees.
Examples of small deciduous shade trees include the Acacia Smallii tree, found in the U.S.A.
They usually bloom in the late winter, and beautiful, yellowish flowers characterize them.
Another example is the Japanese Maple tree. They have branches that spread out wide, so they have good shading ability. Their trademark green or red foliage characterizes them.
The Golden Chain tree is another member of this family. It can grow as high as 25 feet tall, and the branches have an equal spread.
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Evergreens
Third on the list is Evergreens. They provide good shade, coolness, and less leaf-cleaning trouble than deciduous trees.
The Pine tree is an excellent example of an Evergreen tree. They are majorly grown for the sake of their canopies.
The Foxtail Pine tree is another excellent example of an Evergreen. They can grow to heights of up to 50 feet tall and have a spread that can reach 25 feet wide. They are mainly found in the state of California.
Then there’s the Big Cone Pine tree. This giant evergreen reaches up to 80 feet tall and has a spread that can go 30 feet wide. A close cousin is the Holly tree. They can grow to as tall as 70 feet.
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Flowering Fruit Trees
Various flowering fruit trees with decently spread branches provide shade and coolness.
One such tree is the Flowering Crabapple tree. It is known for blooming in the spring and has white or pink blossoms. You can also find scattered clusters of tiny ovoid fruit on it.
They are characterized by their beautiful green or purple leaves.
The Carolina Laurel is another example of a flowering fruit canopy tree. It can grow to heights of up to 25 feet, and during the mid-winter to spring period, you can find glossy green leaves mixed with white flowers.
Other flowering fruit trees include peach trees, plums, and ornamental cherries.
Types Of Fast Growing Canopy Trees
You may have just bought a new home, and you can’t wait to have a tree that would provide a lovely cooling shade to your yard.
Well, some canopy trees grow faster than others, so you may not have to wait long to enjoy the coolness and freshness of these trees.
READ: World’s Fastest Growing Tree Species
Before you plant your fast-growing canopy tree, it’ll be wise to consider a few factors that will matter as the tree grows.
I want to list them out below.
The size of your yard – Before you plant your canopy tree, consider the size of your yard first. This information will help you determine if the kind of tree you will grow fits into your landscaping plans.
The eventual size of the tree is another factor that matters a lot. Knowing the maximum level the tree can grow, you’d know where you should plant it in your yard.
How far is your building away from the planting spot? How long will the branches of this tree eventually grow? You must ask questions like that to ensure your tree doesn’t become an inconvenience or hazard in the future.
Will it hinder specific movements around your yard? – When planting your canopy tree, don’t just consider the short term. The long-term is vital too.
When the tree’s lower branches grow, will they block walkways and drive-ins? Or could they stop at the front door entrance?
This question will help you determine where you should plant the tree.
Are you ready for the responsibility of owning a shade tree? – The benefits of having a shade tree make most people plant them in the first place. They provide coolness, help freshen the air, and create microhabitats for other smaller plants, animals, and birds.
However, the faster they grow, the earlier they start to drop leaves that litter your yard, and it is your responsibility to rake them up.
I know raking your yard seems like a small, easy-to-do task, but what about other more challenging jobs, like pruning and the general maintenance of the tree? Aspects of available care include watering, fertilizing, and removal of pests.
With all these considered, let’s look at the fastest-growing canopy trees.
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Hybrid Poplar
This is one of the fastest-growing canopy trees you can plant in your yard.
It belongs to the family of cottonless hybrids, and they grow to as much as 8 feet per year.
Nuttal Oak
This is another species of fast-growing shade tree that is very popular among homeowners in America.
These are also known as Red Oak (or Pink Oak). It is the fastest-growing member of the Oaktree family.
They are also known to start producing acorns very early
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Red Maple
The Red Maple grows quickly, but not as fast as the Hybrid Poplar.
Red Maples usually grow from 3 feet to 5 feet per year. The good thing about this tree isn’t just the quickness in vertical growth but also its branches spread.
This means you can start enjoying the tree’s coolness in the quickest possible time.
These trees have brightly colored leaves that turn red before they fall. This usually happens in the fall season.
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Weeping Willow
This fast-growing canopy tree is known for growing well near water. This is not to say that water is the only factor that influences their rapid growth. It’s just a pointer that the more water it absorbs, the faster it grows.
These trees can grow in the ranges of 3 feet to 8 feet per year.
There are other species of fast-growing canopy trees you can plant in your yard.
These include –
- The Paper Birch tree
- The American Sycamore tree
- The Northern Catalpa tree
Conclusion
Canopy trees benefit humans and animals thanks to their ability to cool and clean the air. Plant one today, but consider the branch spread before you do.
I trust this article has enlightened you on the types of canopy trees.
Take care!