What trees do you recommend for the clay soil found south of Denton?

I need tall trees for a windbreak and shade on the south and west sides.

thanks!

wcrisler

Have you checked Howard's book "Texas Trees"?

Nope, but it's on my list. In the meantime, anybody out there have any luck with certain tree types in the clay soil just north of Lake Lewisville?

I've found that the clay soils closest to Lake Lewisville tend to be even less forgiving than the clays of Collin County and north Dallas, so I'd stick to hardy selections as much as possible.

Large: Lacebark Elm, the Oaks, Pecan, Bald Cypress, Southern Magnolia, Texas Ash

Medium: Shantung Maple, Chinese Pistache, Lacey Oak, Ginkgo, Teddy Bear Magnolia

Ornamental: Crepe Myrtle, Possumhaw Holly, Vitex

It all depends on what you're wanting and the size limitations. If there's insufficient room for a large canopy tree, yet sufficient room for a medium sized one, I'd go with a Shantung Maple, Lacey Oak, or even a Teddy Bear Magnolia (NOT a regular Magnolia or Little Gem).

My favorite 2 ornamentals are Vitex and Possumhaw Holly. Both are under-planted.

Shumard oak fit your desire. It grows tall up 60-70 feet. And it provides good amount of shade when it matures.