Tall trees play an important part in a landscaping plan. Plant them in a row as a wind-break or as a single tree to create a shady sitting area. Tall trees need a lot of room to grow and aren't suitable for small properties. So plant away from your house since large trees' roots often get under houses or into water and sewer lines. Plant them in an ideal location and they will provide many years of enjoyment.
American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is also known as
buttonwood and the American planetree. It grows to more than 100 feet tall, reaching 80 feet in as little as 20 years. The tree produces leaves that grow from 4 to 8 inches long and the same in width, small flowers and fruits that grow in ball-shaped clusters. Plant the tree in full sun or light shade and in rich, well-drained soils. This tree will grow in wet soil, but will not reach its maximum potential. American sycamore is recommended for all areas of Texas.
Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is also known as old field pine, bull pine and rosemary pine and is one of the fastest growing of the southern pine trees. It grows up to 110 feet tall and produces dark-green needles that grow from 6 to 10 inches long that have a fragrance similar to that of the rosemary plant. Plant in partial shade and a moist, sandy soil. Loblolly pine is a favorite of birds and butterflies and is recommended for east Texas.
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is also known as redgum. The tree grows over 100 feet tall and produces star-shaped leaves that grow from 4 to7 inches in diameter and turn deep red or burgundy in the fall. Small flowers are produced, as well as 1- to 1 ½-inch round spiny fruits. Plant the tree in full sun or filtered shade and in moist, well-drained soils. Sweetgum is of the yellow-bellied sapsuckers and is recommended for east, south, west and central Texas.
Common hackberry ( Celtis occidentalis) grows from 40 to 60-feet tall and produces leaves--medium green on the top and yellow green on the bottom--that grow from 3 to 5-inches long and change to yellow in the fall. Small flowers appear in late April or early May at the same time as the leaves and are followed by orange-red edible fruits. Plant the tree in a rich soil and full sun. Common hackberry is recommended for all sections of Texas.