Tree for small residential lot

Question: Hey Master Gardeners,
I have a small city lot with front yard facing south. My neighbors to the west had trouble with their sewer and took down a large tree. I'm noticing a really big increase in cooling bills.

I'd like to put up a tree to get the shade benefits. But I also do enjoy having a lawn and being able to plant some things that like the sun. (Maybe I can't have everything).

Out boulevard is lined with Honeylocust trees. I love the upright structure and that they do allow filtered sun through. But we have so many on our block, it might not be a good idea if disease comes to that species. 

Do you have a recommendation for a good tree for my lot? From my sidewalk going to the door to the west property line is 9 ft. (Property line is only 2-3 feet from my home). From the city sidewalk to cement area by my steps is 20 ft. It really is important that the entire full grown diameter of the tree stays entirely on my side of the property line.

Thank you for this service!

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 14, 2023, 4:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. Start with this list.  https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes Some are far too big.  Now try this list. https://www.midwestgardentips.com/trees-index-1/small-ornamental-trees  Then look at the dwarfs on this list. https://trees.umn.edu/ginkgo-ginkgo-biloba  Get back to me with your thoughts and we can go from there.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Steve, Yep. I've already looked at the U of MN list. I've also researched the smaller ornamental tree varieties. Hence, the problem...I do like the Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry and was looking at planting that. Then I talked to one of the tree guys at Gertens and he informed me that it really isn't going to do much to shade my home, and won't really do much for my cooling bills. So that sent me back to the drawing board. I really would prefer a native as I think they're better for nature. My neighbor loves her Cork tree, but DNR put it on invasive list. It lists Kentucky Expresso Coffee tree as substitute. But then again, it isn't a native. Also, the Ginko trees you list aren't natives.There really does have to be a solution somewhere. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.On Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 3:30 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 15, 2023, 1:07 AM EDT
response: Hi Gail,  Thank you for writing back. A shade tree shades according to the angle of the sun, the height of the house, and the position of the tree relative to the house.  You have a charming one-story bungalow.  The top of your windows is about 11 feet off the ground. The maximum height of the sun is 68 degrees on the summer solstice.  That means that a 20 foot tall serviceberry that is 10 feet in front of your house will have a shade pattern like this on June 21 when the sun is at its highest. The red increments are 5 feet. The twenty feet is from where ever you called the house to sidewalk as 20 feet. The sidewalk is gray. It is true that a Serviceberry would not shade a two story house but each tree must be considered on its own lot.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 9:07 AM EDT
response: Wow! Thank you for that detailed explanation! I've been pulling my hair out trying to figure this out. You guys are the best. Really! Have a great day!On Sat, Jul 15, 2023 at 12:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 15, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Gail,  Thank you for writing back. A shade tree shades according to the angle of the sun, the height of the house, and the position of the tree relative to the house.  You have a charming one-story bungalow.  The top of your windows is about 11 feet off the ground. The maximum height of the sun is 68 degrees on the summer solstice.  That means that a 20 foot tall serviceberry that is 10 feet in front of your house

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 15, 2023, 12:06 PM EDT
response: One other thing.  Do not plant Juniper or Cypress on your property.  They can get a fungus which is harmless to them but bad news to Serviceberry by causing a disease called rust.