So, does anyone know anything about shade trees?

[2curlydogs]

We've been working with a landscape architect on coming up with a plan for our backyard. He has proposed adding two new shade trees - one Swamp White Oak in the back towards the fence and one Autumn Blaze Maple about 20 feet from the house and a few feet to the west of our deck (to provide shading on the deck in the afternoon).

Well, we already have an Autumn Blaze Maple. I'm not opposed to having another one, but it's not ideal (I like diversity). The LA made some alternative recommendations when we met with him on Wednesday, but I was late getting home to meet with him, frazzled about it, had a fussy, clingy, hungry toddler, and two attention-starved dogs. So I missed/forgot what they were. I think one suggestion was a honey locust?

So, I emailed him about it but, eh, I figured what the hell. Ask on the nest. And the response was "Most LAs are idiots but it's his job to suggest alternatives." Uh, gee, thanks?

We're Zone 5A. Our property butts up against 13 acres of protected hardwood - beech, oak, maple, hickory, etc. We also have an American Linden and a Norway Spruce. Other trees on the plan are Apple Serviceberry, Eastern Redbud, Upright Juniper, and Upright Boxwood.

Any thoughts?