The northeastern United States is known for its beautiful forests and old-fashioned backyards. With so many towering shade trees to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are the best for your landscape. Here’s a guide to some of the very best northeast shade trees for landscapes from Maine to Pennsylvania.

Best Shade Trees for Fall Color

The northeast is famous for its outrageously beautiful autumn color, and the best northeast shade trees take full advantage of that.

• Red Maple: One of the finest and most common of these trees is the red maple. This tree can reach 70 feet in height, with a spread of up to 50 feet. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and is one of the main trees responsible for that classic autumn foliage look.

• Other Red Fall Color Trees:

  • Black Cherry (zones 2-8)
  • White Oak (zones 3-9)
  • Smooth Sumac (zones 3-9)

• Orange Fall Color Trees:

  • Serviceberry: This small but breathtaking North American native can reach up to 20 feet in height. Its orange fall foliage is counterbalanced by its gorgeous, lilac-like spring flowers. It’s hardy in zones 3-7.
  • Smoke Tree (zones 5-8)
  • Japanese Stewartia (zones 5-8)

• Yellow Fall Color Trees:

  • Quaking Aspen: Since it spreads by shooting up clones of itself, quaking aspen isn’t really a tree you can have just one of. But in the right conditions, a small grove can function like a beautiful single specimen. It is hardy in zones 1-7.

Best Shade Trees for Other Seasons

If you’re looking for New England shade trees that aren’t only known for fall color, consider these options:

• Flowering Dogwood: Hardy in zones 5-8, this tree can serve as a gorgeous springtime centerpiece.

• Other Options:

  • Weeping Willow (zones 6-8)
  • Tulip Tree (zones 4-9)

Choosing the Right Tree for Your Landscape

When choosing a shade tree for your landscape, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Size: How big do you want the tree to get?
• Shape: What shape do you want the tree to be?
• Hardiness: What USDA hardiness zone are you in?
• Soil conditions: What type of soil do you have?
• Sun exposure: How much sun does the area where you want to plant the tree get?
• Purpose: What do you want the tree to do for your landscape? (Provide shade, privacy, etc.)

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. With so many beautiful shade trees to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your landscape.