We have an old Silver Maple in the backyard at the farm. It is about 75 years old. The grass grows great on the north side of that tree and is thin and withered on the south side. Kochia grows well there though.
Stay away from Russian Olives. They will hook you every now and then. Suck a lot of water too. Sharptail grouse like them.
Fruit trees are what I like best, especially apple.
