Shade Trees That Grow Fast in San Antonio, Texas

Bald Cypress

• Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum var. distichum) is among the fast-growing shade trees recommended for various regions in Texas including San Antonio. The tree is a native of the swamps and rivers in east and central Texas and is popularly used as a shade tree across the state. The bald cypress is known for its ability to thrive in standing water, where it develops outsticking knee-like roots for oxygen. The tree grows rapidly when properly fertilized and irrigated, achieving a mature height of 70 to 100 feet. The long-lived tree grows best in areas of full sun and is very well tolerant of heat and acidic soils.

Chinquapin Oak

• Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) is cited by the Texas A&M University Extension as among the well-adapted shade trees for growing in San Antonio. The medium to large-sized deciduous tree grows to a mature height of 50 to 90 feet with a 20- to 40-foot spread and has a low water requirement. The fast growth rate of the tree makes it a good choice for a shade tree that will become established quickly. Chinquapin oak develops an open, rounded crown and grows best in areas of full sun. The tree is highly tolerant of heat and has distinct, saw-toothed oak foliage. Chinquapin oak is tolerant of a range of soil types and has few disease- or pest-related issues.

Live Oak

• Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is a fast-growing and long-lived shade tree well adapted for growing in San Antonio with its superior level of heat tolerance, as cited by the Texas A&M University Extension. The tree grows up to 50 feet tall with a spread of up to 100 feet. Live oak adapts to a variety of soil types, including poor soils and is well tolerant of drought and a range of soil pH. The small, leathery, gray green foliage is evergreen in San Antonio and thrives best in areas of full sun. The tree is also referred to as Virginia live oak and Encino.