A good shade tree?

Water oak grows in Houston Texas it has leaves all year long.

Have never heard of a shade tree that doesn't drop leaves some time during the growing season. Once planted two Hybrid Poplars not realizing they are in the Cottonwood family. Grew like crazy but had to remove them when white fluffy spores began to fall everywhere. Replaced them with Sunset Maples which do lose leaves in the fall but seem to be healthy and are doing well providing some shade. I do have them trimmed every 2 yrs. to keep the shape under control. Consult a good nursery in your area for proper advice.

If you are looking for a tree that doesn't drop leaves, you need to look for an evergreen type tree not a deciduous tree. So many types and shapes. Check with a good plant nursery in your area for suggestions and ideas. Lots of factors are involved: climate and soil are two.

What is your location?

Dogwoods are nice.

Magnolia trees are beautiful,provide good shade and grow pretty fast.The bottom branches can be cut back how you like to make space to sit under them all the way around or just on one side.

thank you all from California