[dropcap]M[/dropcap]y favorite shade trees of all time are the oaks. Planted and watered properly, young trees will grow fast and can dramatically enhance our landscapes.

Apart from their beauty, there is a practical consideration too. If you plant them in the right place, shade trees will cool off the air around your home and help offset costly utility bills.

We have two native Texas oaks that are considered evergreen: the live oak and the Mexican white oak. Both hold their foliage throughout the...