The Best Trees To Plant Near Your Mid-Missouri Home's Driveway

Trees can have a big impact on the way your house looks and feels. They provide shade during summer when it’s needed most, and bring a kaleidoscope of colors as soon as it turns into fall. At Braik’s Tree Care, we’re well aware of the advantages and disadvantages of having trees on your property and we have created this helpful guide so you know what trees are perfect to have line your driveway!

Knowing What Will Grow and What Won't in Mid-Missouri

The USDA has a “Plant Hardiness Zone Map” which zones out the United States and lists out what type of plants will survive in certain areas and which won’t. Columbia, Missouri is pretty square in the middle, which means that a wide variety of trees could be planted on your property.

Mid-Missouri Trees that Provide Shade

Wide-Canopy trees provide lots of shade during the summer months, and along with keeping you cool, they can also extend the life of your driveway. Their wide canopies shield the asphalt of the road or driveway from the sun, and can also protect them from rain and wind to some degree. 



• American Beech: This type of tree thrives in the USDA zone that Columbia resides in, and will provide excellent shade for you and your family. This tree can grow somewhere between 50 and 70 feet up and will spread out around 40 feet to provide a large area of shade to relax in during the summer months.

• Ginkgo: This tree can grow to be up to 80 feet tall, and features fan-shaped leaves. A Gingko tree also boasts a beautiful fall color that will draw the eye of anyone walking past your home. If possible, try and plant a male tree as female trees drop fruit that could clutter your driveway or potentially damage a car.

Great Evergreen Trees for Your Mid-Missouri Driveway

Evergreen trees, as the name hints at, will stay green throughout the year, and can provide a nice break from the dreariness of the winter months when other trees are bare. These trees can be perfect for lining a driveway or providing extra privacy for your home year-round. 



• Emerald Green Arborvitae: This tree is ideal for creating some privacy for your home or for lining your driveway. These trees can grow to be between 10-15 feet tall and are around 4 feet wide. These trees are also readily available for purchase at most home and garden stores, making it easy to add instant shade and privacy. 

• Rocky Mountain Juniper: Though the name might make you think differently, this tree will grow in Missouri just as easily as it would in the Rocky Mountains. This tree provides a slightly more blue color to your lawn or driveway and can grow up to 30 feet tall and 6 feet wide. 

Contact Braik’s Tree Care to Schedule an Appointment in Mid-Missouri

No matter how big or small the task is, the team at Braik’s Tree Care is up to it. We provide both residential and commercial tree service and prioritize providing the best experience possible and the protection of your property. Call us today to talk about what Braik’s Tree Care can do for you. Whether it’s routine tree trimming of your driveway-side trees or large tree removal, Braik’s Tree Care is ready to help.