Knowledgebase

Tree recommendation #869629

Asked May 22, 2024, 2:06 PM EDT

Hello! While I've found several guides on your website and appreciate their design, they're a little... extensive. Two years ago I had to remove a 75+ year old maple from my backyard and am looking for something to replace it as we desperately miss the shade. If someone could make just a couple recommendations, here is the information: - Zone 5a (Lakewood) - Looking for a young tree, not to start from seed - Native or at least not invasive - Preferably a medium to large shade tree type

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Good morning! I have my two favorite shade tree recommendations below.

Catalpa: These are fast growing trees with large leaves and white flowers in the later spring/summer (May - June). In the fall they have long seed pods. I like these because they are fast growing! Potentially reseeds but I have not had an issue with them. Will need some regular watering and should be readily available at majority of nurseries. 

Kentucky Coffeetree - These are a great trees for the Front Range! They can look a little sad when they are younger but are great stable trees. They have white flowers in the summer and then bean pods in the summer. If you do not want the seed pods there is a sterile variety called espresso! Kentucky Coffee tree does well in all the harsh conditions of Colorado :)

Hopefully this helps and thank you for reaching out!

Rachel

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2024, 10:49 AM EDT
What an excellent resource - I really appreciate it!

Caitlin

On Fri, May 24, 2024 at 8:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2024, 1:01 PM EDT
Oh boy I'm slightly embarrassed - I still appreciate your help but I should have mentioned we also have dogs. Unfortunately both of these options are toxic to dogs. If you have the patience, any other suggestions? 

Caitlin

On Fri, May 24, 2024 at 8:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2024, 1:06 PM EDT

Yea no worries! You can do the Kentucky Coffee Tree espresso - that one is seedless so non-toxic to dogs!

The other one I would suggest is a golden raintree! Another one with seedpods - I seem to be bias towards them. An oak is another suggestion - I would suggest the bur oak. This do very well here and are tolerant of all soil types!


Hopefully one of those work! 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2024, 6:01 PM EDT
Thank you so much for these suggestions - what an amazing resource, you are really appreciated! 
On Fri, May 24, 2024 at 4:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2024, 12:32 PM EDT

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