Shade tree - Ask Extension
I'm looking for your opinion on a fast growing shade tree with non invasive roots for my front yard
Knowledgebase
Shade tree #926423
Asked March 21, 2026, 2:15 AM EDT
I'm looking for your opinion on a fast growing shade tree with non invasive roots for my front yard
Warren County Ohio
Expert Response
Melanie,
Tree selection for a specific site should be based on many factors--growth rate and non-invasive roots can certainly be two of them.
Others factors to take into account are soil type, drainage, amount of sun/shade, and mature size. It is also important to choose a tree that is known to thrive in your growing zone (6b in Warren County--meaning that your lowest winter temperature is usually -5-0 degrees Fahrenheit). Fall color, edible fruits, spring flowering--there are many different options to consider.
Trees that should be suitable in your area include Japanese maples, dogwoods, crabapples, ginko balboa, and crabapples. Note that these are all smaller trees--almost shrubs in some cases. Another set of criteria may be the tree's ability to provide ecosystem services for birds and insects--this would mean choosing a native tree that fits the other criteria. You can check out the plantfinder list on the National Wildlife Federation's website (http://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder)--just enter your zip code and scroll down to the trees & shrubs tab. (http://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder).
Roots will tend to spread1.5-4X the width of the canopy of leaves, so if a tree matures to have a crown width of 20 feet you should expect the roots to extend 20-80 feet from the trunk. The size of your lot may help dictate the type of tree you buy.
I presume your main concern is the tendency of a tree's roots to invade water & drainage tiles. Typically trees that are known for this will be trees known to thrive in moist, poorly drained soils. These include trees such as Weeping Willow, silver maple, sycamore, poplar, sweetgum, and cottonwood. Almost any large deciduous tree will have a tendency towards deep and extensive root systems.
If you have more information about the specific location, desired qualities, size, etc, please let me know and I can try to come up with more specific recommendations. Thank you for asking Extension about tree selection. The links below may have other pertinent information for you.
Good pdf with chart on tree selection; includes columns on mature size, water needs, growth rate. Comments may include aggressive roots. Pg 11 lists trees NOT to plant
https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2018-04/23464.pdf
Fact sheet about selecting shade trees with various criteria.
https://portsmouth.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/portsmouth_ext_vt_edu/files/Selecting%20shade%20trees.pdf
Tree selection for a specific site should be based on many factors--growth rate and non-invasive roots can certainly be two of them.
Others factors to take into account are soil type, drainage, amount of sun/shade, and mature size. It is also important to choose a tree that is known to thrive in your growing zone (6b in Warren County--meaning that your lowest winter temperature is usually -5-0 degrees Fahrenheit). Fall color, edible fruits, spring flowering--there are many different options to consider.
Trees that should be suitable in your area include Japanese maples, dogwoods, crabapples, ginko balboa, and crabapples. Note that these are all smaller trees--almost shrubs in some cases. Another set of criteria may be the tree's ability to provide ecosystem services for birds and insects--this would mean choosing a native tree that fits the other criteria. You can check out the plantfinder list on the National Wildlife Federation's website (http://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder)--just enter your zip code and scroll down to the trees & shrubs tab. (http://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder).
Roots will tend to spread1.5-4X the width of the canopy of leaves, so if a tree matures to have a crown width of 20 feet you should expect the roots to extend 20-80 feet from the trunk. The size of your lot may help dictate the type of tree you buy.
I presume your main concern is the tendency of a tree's roots to invade water & drainage tiles. Typically trees that are known for this will be trees known to thrive in moist, poorly drained soils. These include trees such as Weeping Willow, silver maple, sycamore, poplar, sweetgum, and cottonwood. Almost any large deciduous tree will have a tendency towards deep and extensive root systems.
If you have more information about the specific location, desired qualities, size, etc, please let me know and I can try to come up with more specific recommendations. Thank you for asking Extension about tree selection. The links below may have other pertinent information for you.
Good pdf with chart on tree selection; includes columns on mature size, water needs, growth rate. Comments may include aggressive roots. Pg 11 lists trees NOT to plant
https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2018-04/23464.pdf
Fact sheet about selecting shade trees with various criteria.
https://portsmouth.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/portsmouth_ext_vt_edu/files/Selecting%20shade%20trees.pdf
