Expert: Jim Hyland - 4/8/2010

Question
I just moved to Austin Texas and am looking for shade trees that grow large in height but not to wide. Is the Thuja green giant a good choice and who in Texas would carry them in the range of 6 feet to start

Answer
These are fine they will grow a width of about 5-8 feet if planted in rows. They will get about 20 feet tall. I would not classify them as a shade tree. A shade tree is any tree grown specifically for its shade. This term usually applies to large trees with spreading canopies. Shade trees are effective in reducing the energy used in cooling homes. Thujas work well as hedges or along property lines. I do not know where in Texas you can get  large one I would check with your local nursery and they should be able to get them for you.