Shade trees have benefits for the homeowner and the landscape. Shade trees can lower temperatures under their canopies by as much as 10 degrees, thus reducing home cooling costs by lowering energy use. They also reduce heat reflected from paved streets.

Shade trees reduce soil erosion, they can help to remove chemical and ground pollutants, and their raked leaves can be a good addition to the compost pile. These trees also provide shelter and food for wildlife and convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. Shade trees add beauty to our environment, and they can even increase property values.

If you want to add a shade tree to your landscape, consider these that grow well in southern Illinois.

Red maple (Acer rubrum) grows 40 to 60 feet tall with a rounded to oval canopy. The flowers are red and borne in clusters in early spring. The fruit, which is a samara, is also red when initially born, before turning green and later tan. In the fall, leaf color is excellent and varies from yellow to orange to red. Red maple has a shallow root system that may buckle sidewalks and driveways if planted too close. This native tree prefers soils that are slightly acidic and moist, but at the same time, it is tough and able to withstand a wide range of conditions.

River Birch (Betula nigra) is a native tree that grows 40 to 70 feet in height with a rounded canopy once mature. It is frequently multi-trunked. When young, the tree will have a pyramidal to oval shape. The main highlight of this species is the cinnamon-brown to red-brown peeling bark. River birch is easy to transplant and prefers moist soils that are slightly acidic. Alkaline soils may lead to yellowing of the leaves during the growing season. River birch tolerates heavy clay soils and is the most adaptable birch for the lower Midwest. Fall leaf color is yellow.

Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba) has unusual fan-shaped leaves that are highly attractive. This species is believed to be the only surviving member of a group of plants that were alive approximately 150 million years ago. The trees are either male or female. Avoid female trees because they produce a foul-smelling fruit in the fall if a male tree is nearby. Most nurseries only sell male cultivars, but double-check before making your purchase. Growing 40 to 70 feet in height, maidenhair tree has a broad canopy. Its leaves are uniformly golden yellow in the fall, and leaf drop occurs quickly. The tree easily adapts to a wide range of soil conditions.

Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) has beautifully shaped leaves and grows relatively fast for a tree. Reaching a mature height of 60 to 90 feet, it develops an oval-rounded canopy. This native plant is not for small areas. At maturity, its trunk may be as much as 6 feet in diameter. The fruit is a samara and occurs on a cone that is 3 inches long. The fall color is a rich, golden yellow. Its common name is derived from the yellow, tulip-like flowers that occur in spring. Unfortunately, the flowers are borne when the tree is in full leaf and may be unnoticed by the casual observer. Tuliptree adapts to a wide range of soil conditions.

Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is a native that grows 30 to 50 feet in height with an irregular- shaped canopy. In the fall, its leaves turn beautiful translucent shades of red, orange, purple and yellow. The branches often radiate from the trunk almost like spokes on a bicycle wheel. The fruit matures to a deep blue color and is a favorite of birds and other wildlife. This native can be difficult to transplant, and it does not tolerate soils that are highly alkaline. Black tupelo is best planted in an area that is protected from winds.

White oak (Quercus alba) is the Illinois state tree. This native reaches 50 to 80 feet tall so it needs plenty of room to grow. In the wild, the tree may reach 100 feet. Pyramidal in shape when young, it has a rounded canopy as it matures. The fruit is an acorn that is approximately ¾ inch long. The fall color is usually brown but can also be russet red. White oaks can be difficult to transplant and are slow growing. Planting one today is like preparing for your grandchildren.

These are just a few species that grow well in southern Illinois. Before you purchase a shade tree, make sure you can meet its growing requirements. And, choose a tree that will fit into your landscape once it has matured. Proper selection will help insure that the tree will flourish and provide its benefits for future generations.

Tony Kahtz, Ph.D., works with University of Illinois Extension through the Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps program.