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Red Maple Better Than Empress Tree for Shade

Q: Would an Empress tree be good for shade for grandchildren? Another recommendation?

A: Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is too coarse and weak-wooded, drops twigs/branches, and produces invasive seedlings. Red maple is ideal. Look for named varieties like 'Autumn Blaze', 'October Glory', or 'Red Sunset'.

About Gardening: Red Crimson Maple Not Leafing Out: Frost, Decay, or Both?; Red Maple Limb Failure and Internal Decay; Red Maple Borer Infestation: Sap Flow and Bud Failure; Red Maple Leaf Tip Burn: Nutrient Deficiency or Herbicide?; Maple Bladder Galls: Cosmetic Mite Damage; Red Maple Leaf Failure: June Diagnosis and Recovery Hopes; Managing a Vigorous Leader on Young Red Maple; Silver Maple Problems: Weak Wood, Invasive Roots, and Better Shade Tree Choices; 'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple Leaf Scorch: Needs Shade; Choosing Shade Trees: Water Oak vs. Pin Oak, Plus Dogwood Placement

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