2026 Tree Choices
Pin Oak
The Pin Oak is seen all over RVC and is a fast-growing shade tree well suited for residential streets and yards. It typically grows 60–70 feet tall with a broad, pyramidal canopy that becomes more rounded with age, providing substantial shade. Pin oak adapts well to urban conditions and moist soils, making it a reliable choice for many planting sites. Its glossy green leaves turn bright red to bronze in fall, and the tree often retains some leaves through winter for added seasonal interest. With its strong structure and classic oak form, pin oak is a durable and attractive option for street tree plantings.
Red Maple
The Red Maple is a fast-growing, medium-to-large shade tree valued for its adaptability and vibrant seasonal color. It typically grows 40–60 feet tall with a rounded canopy, providing ample shade along residential streets. Red maple tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including wet or compacted soils, making it well suited for many urban landscapes. It is especially known for its brilliant red flowers in early spring and striking red to orange foliage in fall, offering year-round visual interest. With its strong structure and colorful display, red maple is a popular and dependable choice for street tree plantings.
Linden
The Linden is a graceful, medium-to-large shade tree commonly planted along residential streets. It typically grows 50–70 feet tall with a dense, pyramidal to oval canopy, providing deep shade as it matures. Linden trees are adaptable to a range of soil conditions and tolerate urban environments, making them a dependable street tree. In early summer, they produce small, fragrant yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bees, followed by heart-shaped green leaves that turn soft yellow in fall. With its symmetrical form and seasonal interest, linden is a reliable and attractive option for street plantings.
Zelkova
The Zelkova is a strong, vase-shaped shade tree well suited for planting along residential streets. It typically grows 50–70 feet tall with a broad, arching canopy, providing generous shade as it matures. Zelkova is tolerant of urban conditions, including heat, wind, and air pollution, and is valued as a reliable alternative to American elm because of its resistance to many common elm diseases. Its deep green leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and reddish-bronze in fall, adding attractive seasonal color. With its graceful shape and durability, zelkova is a popular choice for larger street tree spaces.
Hedge Maple
A Hedge Maple is a durable, medium-sized shade tree well suited for residential streets. It typically grows 30–35 feet tall with a rounded canopy, providing moderate shade without overwhelming smaller spaces. Hedge maple is highly tolerant of urban conditions, including compacted soil, air pollution, drought, and road salt. Its dark green leaves turn yellow to golden in fall, adding seasonal color. With its manageable size and adaptability, hedge maple is a reliable, low-maintenance choice for planting along sidewalks and in front yards.