The teachings of Jesus contained in the Bible can easily be interpreted as showing a disdain for the things of this world and promoting asceticism among his followers. When a rich man asks Jesus what he should do to achieve eternal life, Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give the money to […] The post 10 Tales from the Lives of the Desert Fathers appeared first on Listverse.

Summer has arrived which means AC units are on full blast, folks are in search of the nearest swimming pool, while others are just hanging out under shade trees. When I’m enjoying the outdoors on a summer day, you’ll usually find me under a huge tree…if I’m lucky enough to find one! The temperatures here in the Lone Star State are no joke in the summer. It can easily reach triple digits so, the shade can make all the difference in the world. Shade Trees That Provide Superb Coverage During Summer Trees can also provide shade for your home as well. Every home has that one room that gets pretty toasty in the summer. For me, that would be my master bedroom. Around 5:00 pm during the hottest part of the summer, even with the AC running, that room just will not stay cool. I recently took the internet to find out what trees would provide great shade when they reach their mature (full-grown) stage. I found the most beautiful (and fast growing) trees and I, for one, will be doing some planting of my own. Let’s get started! Sawtooth Oak Growing Zones: 5-9 This tree has a very traditional look which makes it quite popular with most homeowners. This tree grows quickly and when it reaches full maturity the height of this tree is 40-60 feet and the width is also 40-60 feet, which gives it a large canopy like shape. Temperatures in the shade of this tree can drop 10-15 degrees. Weeping Willow image via Flickr Growing Zones: 4-9 The weeping willow tree is one of my favorite trees! This gorgeous tree provides plenty of shade. The growth of a weeping willow tree is about 6-8 feet a year. Fully matured, they can reach a height of around 40-50 feet and a width of 35 feet which makes it a great choice for shade. American Red Maple Growing Zones: 4-9 This tree is absolutely beautiful and is famous for it’s bright red leaves. Once fully matured the American Red maple reaches a height of 40-60 feet and a width of 25-45 feet which provides excellent shade! Northern Red Oak Growing Zones: 3-8 This is a stunning tree and is another tree famous for its red leaves. The northern red oak is a perfect choice for shade. This fast-growing tree can reach heights of 60-75 feet and widths of 45-50 feet! Royal Empress Growing Zones: 7-11 This gorgeous tree has been nicknamed “the world’s fastest growing tree” and rightfully so! A royal empress can grow 15 feet in a year in some climates! At full maturity, the height of this great shade tree is 40-50 feet and the width 30-40 feet. Dawn Redwood Growing Zones: 4-8 This tree has more of a ‘christmas tree’ shape so, this beautiful tree would make perfect shade for your home. The dawn redwood grows about 5 feet a year and at full maturity, it has a height of 40-50 feet and a width of 20-30 feet. Mimosa Growing Zones: 6-10 This is a smaller tree but will still provide decent shade. This is a gorgeous tree and will attract hummingbirds like crazy with it’s beautiful tropical like blooms. The mimosa tree is fast growing and will reach heights of 20-25 feet and widths of 10-20 feet. Tulip Poplar Growing Zones: 4-9 This is a very unique and breathtaking tree! In the spring, you will enjoy beautiful yellowish blooms which will attract hummingbirds. In the fall, the leaves of the tulip poplar will turn a bright golden color! This tree is also known to be very resistant to disease. At full maturity, it reaches a height of 70 feet and a width of 30-40 feet which makes it yet another great choice for shade! Autumn Cherry Growing Zones: 4-8 This is my FAVORITE tree! It is a hardy tree that will bloom in Spring, Autumn, and even Winter. The blooms are pale pink in color and I love that you can enjoy its blooms basically year round! To give you an idea of how hardy this tree is, it can withstand temperatures of down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. At full maturity, the height is 20-40 feet and the width is 15-25 feet. Brian Ealy shows a video of a hybrid poplar review 3 years after planting: What is your favorite shade tree? Share with us in the comment section below! Read this article on how to grow trees from twigs on your homestead! Follow us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and twitter!

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