The Best Shade Trees for New Jersey Residents

If you’re looking for something to plant in your landscape, you should think about planting a shade tree. These trees cover a wide area and can keep your property cool by providing spots for shade. With summer approaching, you should consider planting a shade tree in your backyard in the future.

Take a minute to look over some of the best shade-providing trees that are available for Hillsborough Township residents.

Red Oak

Tall Red Oak Tree With Red Leafs
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The northern red oak tree is considered one of the best trees available for planting in New Jersey. Of course, part of that is due to the fact it’s the state’s official tree. This tree can reach out across long distances, allowing it to provide plenty of shade for your landscape.

The tree is also known to grow to extraordinary heights, and provides a nice habitat for local birds and animals. The red oak also handles itself well during droughts, so as long as you give it proper care it will stay healthy throughout the year.

Sweet Birch

Yellow Leafs of a Sweet Birch Tree
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The sweet birch is another tree that’s often found in New Jersey residences. It extends across a wide range and can offer cool shade for the summer season. The tree can also resist many of the local insects that’re known to damage plants in the county.

In addition to having practical purposes, the Sweet Birch is an aesthetically pleasing tree that will enhance any landscape. Its shiny bark has plenty of appeal, and when the leaves change color during the fall they turn into a beautiful shade of yellow. From looks to practical uses, this tree has everything you could want.

Green Ash

Green Ash Tree Growing in a Neighborhood
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Also known as the Fraxinus pennsylvanica, the green ash can provide a lot of shade for your landscape. It’s also a fast-growing tree, especially when you compare it to some of the other trees found in the state. It can grow up to 60 feet in total, and gains about 2 to 3 feet each year.

Since it grows so quickly, you can have it grown to a relatively good size in no time at all. It also thrives in just about any soil, so no matter where you are in the area you’ll be able to raise one properly.

Golden Rain Tree

Yellow Leafed Golden Rain Tree
Source:Wikimedia Commons

There’s also the Golden Rain Tree, which is famous for its yellow leaves. The tree’s leaves can grow quite large, so they can cover a lot of ground in your property. They also don’t need a lot of rain, so if there’s ever a dry period, you won’t have to worry about the health of the tree declining.

Its buds also don’t flower until later into the summer, so you won’t have to worry about cleanups in the early months of the year.

Tulip Tree

Tall Tulip Tree With Orange Colors
Source: Wikimedia Commons

One other tree that’s excellent for Hillsborough Township residents is the tulip tree, or liriodendron. As one would gather from its name, this tree is famous for its flowers, which look like tulips when they’re in full bloom. The flowers are a beautiful sight and will help enhance the appearance of your property.

Of course, they also provide plenty of shade, and can cover a circumference of over 3 feet. Like the green ash, this tree grows in very quickly, and can grow almost 2 feet in a single year. The tulip tree is an excellent option for New Jersey residents, and since its native to the area it will persevere through tougher conditions.


Looking to have something planted in your landscape? Reach out to Hillsborough Irrigation and Landscape Services today!

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