10 Best Shade Trees for Zone 6 Gardens

Is the sun beating down on your yard a little too harshly? Do you dream of creating a cool, shady oasis in your outdoor space by planting new trees? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re detailing the best shade trees for Zone 6 gardens. 

We’re talking about trees that are not only gorgeous and provide some much-needed shade, but also tough enough to handle the changing seasons that Zone 6 throws our way. So, grab your favorite iced tea, put on your gardening hat (or sunscreen) and let’s get ready to pick out the perfect leafy companion for your yard.

Best Shade Trees to Plant in Zone 6

1. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

This large, majestic tree is a slow grower but provides excellent shade and beautiful fall foliage. It can grow up to 70 feet tall and has a broad, rounded crown. Sugar maples prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Another popular shade tree, the red maple is known for its vibrant red fall foliage. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach 50-60 feet tall. Red maples are adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and can tolerate some drought. There are many cultivars of red maple available, including some with more compact growth habits.

3. American Elm (Ulmus americana)

The American elm is a classic shade tree that was once widely planted in cities and towns across the United States. However, Dutch elm disease devastated elm populations in the 20th century. The Princeton Elm is a disease-resistant variety of American elm that is a good choice for Zone 6. American elms grow tall and wide, providing plenty of shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

4. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

A tough and adaptable tree, the hackberry is a good choice for areas with poor soil conditions or drought. It grows at a moderate rate and can reach 50-70 feet tall. Hackberry trees have an interesting, vase-shaped canopy and provide dappled shade. They are tolerant of air pollution and salt spray.

5. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

This fast-growing tree is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and showy white flowers in spring. Northern catalpas can reach 50-60 feet tall and have a broad, spreading canopy. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun. However, they can be messy due to falling seed pods in late summer.

6. Basswood (Tilia americana)

Also known as the American linden, the basswood is a beautiful shade tree with fragrant white flowers in early summer. It grows at a moderate rate and can reach 50-70 feet tall. Basswood trees prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun. They are tolerant of air pollution and salt spray.

7. Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

This fast-growing tree is known for its delicate, fern-like leaves. There are also thornless varieties available, which are a good choice for planting around homes. Honey locusts can reach 60-80 feet tall and have a broad, spreading canopy. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun.

8. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

A slow-growing but long-lived tree, the bur oak is a majestic addition to any landscape. It can reach 70-100 feet tall and has a broad, spreading canopy. Bur oaks prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They are tolerant of drought and heat. We even have a state park named after them! 

9. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

This large tree is known for its valuable wood and delicious nuts. However, it is important to note that black walnut trees produce a substance that can inhibit the growth of other plants. Therefore, it is not a good choice for planting near vegetable gardens or flower beds. Black walnut trees can reach 70-80 feet tall and have a broad, spreading canopy. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun.

10. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

A fast-growing tree with a large, spreading canopy, the American sycamore is a good choice for providing shade. However, it is a messy tree that drops large leaves and seed balls throughout the year. American sycamores can reach 70-100 feet tall and have a broad, spreading canopy. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

What Is the Fastest Growing Tree for Shade? 

We all want that beautiful shade tree yesterday, right? But some trees take forever to reach their leafy glory. No worries, impatient gardeners: Here are two examples of trees that are speed demons of the shade tree world and will thrive in Zone 6. We’re talking lightning-fast growers that will provide cool comfort in your yard before you know it.

Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Blaze’)

This fast-growing cultivar of red maple can reach up to 50 feet tall in just 20 years. It is known for its vibrant red fall foliage. Autumn Blaze maples are hardy to zones 4-8.

Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

This fast-growing tree can reach up to 60 feet tall in just 15 years. It is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and showy white flowers in spring. Northern catalpas can be messy due to falling seed pods in late summer. Northern catalpas are hardy to zones 4-8 .

What Are the Best Shade Trees for Zone 6 to Plant Near Your House? 

The best shade tree to plant near your house in Zone 6 depends on several factors, including the size of your yard, the amount of sunlight it receives, the soil conditions and your personal preferences. Here are some things to consider:

• Size: Choose a tree that will mature to a size that is appropriate for your yard. You don’t want a tree that will eventually grow too large and crowd your house or overhang your roof.
• Sun: Consider how much sun the planting area receives. Some trees prefer full sun, while others will tolerate partial shade.
• Soil conditions: Make sure to choose a tree that is suited to the type of soil you have in your yard. For example, if you have clay soil, you will need to choose a tree that is tolerant of clay.
• Pests and diseases: Choose a tree that is resistant to pests and diseases common in your area.

The Best Shade Trees for Zone 6

With a little planning and the right selection, you can be on your way to a cooler, greener and more relaxing outdoor space. Remember, choosing a tree is a bit of a commitment, so be sure to consider the mature size, sun exposure and maintenance needs before planting. But with so many beautiful options to choose from, you’ll find the perfect leafy companion to add shade and splendor to your Zone 6 garden.

Enjoying a lush and beautiful garden starts with the right tree. Whether you need a majestic oak or a graceful maple, our experts can help you choose and plant the ideal tree for your landscape.

Ready to enhance your garden with the perfect shade tree?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation for our tree planting and removal services.