Jeff Schulz, owner, The Hidden Gardens, Willowbrook

Wayne A. Gruber, owner, Gardens on the Prairie,
Lowell, Ind.

For large shade trees I would choose English oak (Quercus robur), beech (Fagus) and Ginkgo biloba. For ornamentals I recommend Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), ornamental pears (Pyrus ‘Chanticleer’ or ‘Aristocrat’) and paperbark maple (Acer griseum). These trees are drought tolerant once established. An important consideration is that it may take three to four years for them to become established, and they will need proper watering until then.

The ginkgo (male) retained turgid leaves and good green color this summer. The upright narrow Regal Prince® oak made a noble stand of deep green foliage and sacrificed just a few leaves to the drought. The seedless and thornless honeylocust is an old standby that’s never too exciting but just seems to have amazing survival adaptations. Finally, nice existing green and white ash are worth protecting from emerald ash borer (EAB) due to their versatility in harsh conditions. Just don’t plant new ash trees because of EAB. And remember, trees need water.

John Heaton, owner, Knupper Nursery, Palatine

Many established plants are going to be dying now or within a few years. That’s why my choice is Red Sunset® maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’). First, it has been around since 1966 and has stood the test of time. Second, the orange and red fall color comes early
in the fall so we get to enjoy it before the weather is too cold. Third, it gives a lot of cooling summer shade. Fourth, it’s fast-growing. Finally, it’s very easy to grow.