• Shade trees also lend shelter and visual interest to your landscape.Arch Path image by Jacob Randell from Fotolia.com
  
  Of all the plant hardiness regions on the zone map, Zone 9 is one of the smallest, comprising Florida, the Gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana, much of California, and the southern coast of Oregon. Zone 9 has mild winters with minimal winter freezes and a long growing season. Many shade trees thrive in Zone 9. If you're in a hurry to get some shade, pick a tree that grows rapidly and spreads its branches wide.
  
  

Autumn Purple Ash Tree

• This regal beauty has large, shiny green leaves that block lots of sunlight in the summer and then turn yellow, orange, red and finally a brilliant purple in the fall in a long-lasting, spectacular display. Autumn purple ash trees are low maintenance, and grow up to three feet a year. At maturity they reach anywhere from 50 to 70 feet high and 30 to 50 feet wide. If you live in a dry climate, you'll be happy to know that this tree is drought-resistant and adapts easily to different soil types.
  
  

Tulip Tree

• Also known as the tulip poplar tree or yellow poplar, this tree gives joy in all seasons. In the spring, it's covered in fragrant yellow tulip-like flowers that attract all kinds of wildlife and birds, most notably ruby-throated hummingbirds, cardinals and finches. In the summer, the tulip tree grows fast, eventually reaching 70 feet high and 30 to 40 feet wide. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright yellow, reminiscent of their spring display. If planted in an open area, the tulip tree will grow into a cone shape. This tree is easy to grow and resists insects and diseases, promising you years of enjoyment.
  
  

American Beech Tree

• American beech trees grow throughout the continental United States. This tree spreads wide--up to 60 feet across--and grows just as tall. Its dark-green foliage gives you dense shade over a wide area during the summer and turns a rich bronze in the fall. American beeches don't need full sun, and they resist disease and insects. They are slow-growing, however, so be patient if you plant one.
  
  

Sawtooth Oak Tree

• This is the fastest-growing of the oak trees. Named for the ragged shape of its leaves, this noble tree is often used to line driveways or paths. The sawtooth oak resists diseases and pollution damage, and grows quickly to up to 60 feet high and 60 feet wide. In the fall, its green leaves turn gradually to yellow and then to brown. This tree is a dependable, stately addition to any landscape.