Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Tuesday - May 18, 2010
From: El Paso, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Shade tree for El Paso, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
hi there, I am looking to plant a shade tree in front of my house, about 10ft away from my house and about 6ft away from the sidewalk. I live in El Paso TX and I am afraid that the tree roots will interfere with the water pipes which are about 6ft away from where I want to plant the tree. Which shade trees would you recommend?ANSWER:
You can visit our Texas-West Recommended page and use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to select 'Tree' from the GENERAL APPEARANCE area. This will give you a list of trees native to your area that are suitable for landscaping and are commercially available.
Arbutus xalapensis (Texas madrone) has a tap root and is not likely to cause problems with water line.
Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) Surface roots are not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Juglans microcarpa (little walnut) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) Surface roots are not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Quercus emoryi (Emory oak) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Quercus muehlenbergii (chinkapin oak) Surface roots not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Quercus grisea (gray oak) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
You can check out other trees on the Texas-West Recommended page.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Native plants for area shaded by crabapple in Philadelphia
September 19, 2008 - Can you recommend native plants about 4' tall to plant under a crabapple in the corner of a yard in front of a fence? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Large shrub for screen in shade
June 11, 2008 - I am trying to find some large shrubs that will thrive in shade in the north Texas climate. This area will receive very little light during the day but need to grow quite large to hide a fence and cr...
view the full question and answer
Shade trees not invasive to foundations and driveways
August 02, 2009 - I am in zone 9. What shade trees can I plant that will not be invasive to foundations or driveways?
Thank you,
Mr. Smarty Plants
view the full question and answer
Plants for narrow moist shade in Dallas
October 05, 2009 - We are looking for plants in a narrow strip next to our house. It is a shady area that holds a lot of water. We would love plants that would help take water out of the soil. Do you have any suggest...
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming crape myrtle in Italy, TX
June 25, 2008 - It's Italy, TX, again! Thanks for the advice and links, and I'll study those..but here's where I'm stumped on crape myrtle. I have two (almost) trees because they've been planted over 15 years ...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
