• Shade trees are characterized by large canopies.a tree image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Shade trees are not all created equal. Shade trees among the top ten can survive in most of the western hemisphere and are adaptable to most growing conditions. Some of the varieties are also considered ornamental as they flower or produce bright colors.
  
  

Hybrid Poplar

• Some consider the hybrid poplar the king of shade trees because of their density and rapid growth of up to 70 feet with a spread of 60 feet. They have large oval shaped leaves that set early in the spring. Other classifications of the poplar species include the aspen and the cottonwood.
  
  

Crimson King Maple

• Maybe the most beautiful of the shade trees, the Crimson King maple is characterized by broad, deep red leaves that stay red all year long. It's a pyramidal shaped tree that grows up to 50 feet and is among the faster growing trees.
  
  

Weeping Willow

• Weeping willows are a fast growing dense shade tree that earned the name "weeping" by it's elongated vine-like shoots that form a dense canopy. Willow trees can grow up to 8 feet a year and reach a height of 50 feet with a spread of 35 feet.
  
  

American Elm

• The American elm is the most widespread of all the elm varieties, and is often used by parks and recreation departments because of their fast growing qualities. The American elm grows up to 75 feet with a vase-like appearance, with a spread of 35 feet.
  
  

Oak

• The oak has over 600 different species. Some varieties of oak reach up to 80 feet tall with a spread of 90 feet wide. The spiral serrated leaves and acorns are a familiar site in every region in the northern hemisphere.
  
  

River Birch

• The river birch is another fast growing tree reaching a height of 70 feet with a spread of 23 feet. The river birch is also known for its distinctive whitish bark and bright fall colors. It likes wet soil conditions, but does well in urban settings.
  
  

Sycamore

• This tree is popular for its shade and adaptability. These open-crowned giants can reach up to 100 feet tall, and have a spread of up to 80 feet. The broad leaves of the sycamore appear on the tree later than most and stay on the tree well into winter.
  
  

Silver Maple

• This maple is classed as another one of the hardy varieties that can withstand poor soil conditions. It grows faster than other varieties of maple, and produces bright fall foliage. It can reach heights up to 70 feet, with a spread of 40 feet.
  
  

Honey Locust

• Well known for its bright yellow color with spring emergence, the honey locust is a great choice for an ornamental as well as a shade tree. It reaches 75 feet in height with a 40 foot spread.
  
  

Catalpa

• The catalpa is used for ornament and shade. It is recognized by its long green pods that hang from the tree. The catalpa reaches a height of 70 feet, with a 40 foot width. And it also produces small white flowers.