What type of tree for a shade tree?

JCS2007

Our backyard is about .5 acre, gets full sun in the afternoon and has no real shade from trees.  We want to plant a tree near the corner of our patio, at least a 10 foot tree, to provide some shade to the patio area.  The landscaper we spoke with recommended a maple tree.  We want something that will provide shade and not drop much other than leaves (at least nothing that is a big nusance like berries).  I know nothing about planting/gardening- any suggestions what would be a good type of tree?  If it makes a difference re climate, we are located in Maryland. Thanks!

Dr.Loretta

Is there a reason you're not going with your landscaper's recommendation? Did he give you any other options?

JCS2007

He only suggested maple, just curious of other options from folks into gardening and landscaping.

renee

I would second a maple. One nice thing is that they are fast growers, so even if you start with a small-medium tree, you should be starting to get shade within a few years. Make sure you get a seedless variety...maples drop the helicopter seeds and they would be all over your paito at one time during the spring. Autumn Blaze is a nice variety, but ask your landscaper or garden center about the seeds.

There are other shade trees that are nice, but prob. not as fast growing as maple. There are some nice ornamental trees that are a little smaller, but have nice flowers/fruit. Not sure how big a tree you want to end up with!

~NB~

Please... no more Maples!

What zone are you in there? Zone 7? Zone 6? 
Maybe Syringa reticulata, or an Amelanchier? Or how about a Chionanthus? Or even a Parrotia persica?

How big do you want it to get? Do you want something as big as a Maple?

-auntie-

Maple would be a good choice unless you are allergic.

~NB~

I think Maples are frequently a poor choice. I'm curious to know the reason(s) someone would recommend planting one. As a Certified Arborist, I have lots of reasons to recommend NOT planting Maples.

Fast growth is not a strong reason for choosing Maples, in fact, rapid growth is almost always a liability in landscape trees. If growth rate were the only criteria considered, the only time a fast growth tree is more desirable than a slower growth tree is for timber harvest. This is one time I'd recommend Maples. They make great cabinets, but as shade trees, they're high maintenance, vastly overused and mediocre quality. 

JCS2007

Thanks everyone, I have no idea about trees so this is helpful.  We are in Zone 6B.  So what other options are there?

MMP

What's the max height you want, and how large is the patio you want shaded?

 

 

JCS2007

MMP:

What's the max height you want, and how large is the patio you want shaded?

We are thinking 30-40 feet. The patio is about 30 feet wide(along the back of the house) and 15 deep. When looking out from the house, the sun sets along the left corner of the patio, so we will go about 5-10 feet out from the patio with the tree.  Does that make sense? It will have full sun. if it doesn't cover the entire patio that is fine, we are hoping for at least 1/2. 

renee

I don't think maple is such an awful choice...I had the seeded variety that was existing in the landscape at our old house (and it was a PITA) and I have two that were existing in the landscape when we bought it. Both of these are seedless varieties.

If you are looking for 30' tree, then you could consider something like a redbud or serviceberry (pp mentioned that) or maybe even a magnolia.

However....one thing to keep in mind is the size you are considering purchasing. If you buy a small tree (perhaps for budget reasons), it might be advantageous to buy a fast growing tree. If you are looking to buy a 15' tree to install, it will be more $$$, probably a few hundred bucks or more.

~NB~

renee:

I don't think maple is such an awful choice. Why?

If you are looking for 30' tree, then you could consider something like a redbud or serviceberry (pp mentioned that) or maybe even a magnolia. Both good choices IMO.

... it might be advantageous to buy a fast growing tree.  Only for timber harvesting. Fast growth trees have far more insect and disease issues.

FWIW, I don't know many Certified Arborists who recommend Maples. I don't know ANY who specifically recommend fast growing trees for landscape use, because we recognize this characteristic as a liability rather than an asset. I just posed the Acer disease and insect question to a plant pathologist, and he laughed.

I'd urge you to look around your neighborhood and plant a native species that nobody else has planted yet. There's a good chance you already have a genetic bottleneck of Maples in the area.

Mrs07

I would be sure to place it a ways from the porch/house.  It will grow outwards more than upwards, and you don't want to have to pull it out several years from now (when it is nice and full) just because you placed it so close that the branches are a danger to your house.