Zelkova tree

I'm thinking that Zelkova is one of the very best non-native shade trees for our climate. Zelkova's widest part is the very top of the umbrella-shaped canopy. The smallish leaves allow speckles splashes of light onto the lawn, unlike the maple family, and as a result lawns and other plants have a good chance for survival,

These are new zelkova arrivals, yet to push out leaves. You can see from the long whip-like branches from last year's growth the genetic growing possibilities. If the soil/water/fertilizer/sunlight requirements are met, zelkova can push out new growth all summer long, into the fall meaning that your shade tree will turn into a pretty big tree really fast. 

Two more attractive attributes are the bark and the fall foliage. The bark flakes and chips off, revealing an interesting and unique patchwork on an elephant leg-smooth surface, and in autumn the foliage turns from a medium green to deep maroon/red/yellows/orange. 

My one objection to zelkova is the lack of berries for the birds to eat in the fall, both for migrating and overwintering birds. If this is not an objection for you, and you want a really awesome shade tree, then Zelkova may be the tree for you. 

If you would like to see an awesome display of Zelkova trees, Go to the "Boys and Girls village" in Milford near the sikorsky bridge. I planted a row of them in approx 2010. They are huge and stately.