Growing shade trees in your yard has many wonderful benefits. Underneath a big shade tree is the perfect location for a backyard BBQ or for kids to spend time outside. It will also keep your home cooler during warmer months of the year.
To get the full benefit of shade trees, you have to plant the correct species and care for them correctly.
NC Tree Trimming has recommendations for the best trees to plant for shade, as well as some expert advice on caring for your shade trees so they continue to grow strong and healthy.
Planting Trees for Shade
All trees can provide shade, but there are some species that are built for optimal shade. These types of trees usually have a thick, wide canopy that reaches out about as far as it does upward.
In the following parapgraphs, we’ve provided some examples of shade trees based on whether they would be best planted in your back or front yard.
Back Yard Shade Trees
Shade trees in the back yard are primarily for your own benefit. Next-door neighbors and passersby usually won’t be able to see these trees , so they can be purely for shade and enjoyment.
In addition to shade, these trees can provide year-round color as well as some extra privacy.
Here are a few popular options:
- Magnolia
- Sugar maple or silver maple
- Weeping willow
- Weeping cherry
- Red oak
If you have the space, a live oak is another beautiful choice. Live oaks are considered the fastest growing shade trees, and they can get very large. A mature live oak is able to grow up to 80 feet tall and as much as 100 feet wide.
Most of these back yard tree suggestions get pretty big, so you definitely want to do a little research to find out if the tree will have enough space to reach maturity.
If there is not enough room, the tree’s root system can destroy your fencing or even your home. You will also need to prune the tree every year to keep it manageable. A tree that grows too large for its location will most likely have to be cut down, which is an unfortunate and sometimes costly situation.
Front Yard Shade Trees
In the front yard, you are planting trees for your enjoyment as well, but they will be a lot more beneficial for increasing curb appeal and value to your home since they can be seen.
Purchase shade trees for the front yard that are somewhat smaller so they don’t overpower your home. These trees should pair with your landscaping in size and color, while still offering plenty of shade for front yard relaxation and play.
These are some of the shade trees NC Tree Trimming recommends:
Red maple
River birch
Dogwood
White oak
Ginkgo tree
These species trees are beautiful throughout the year, and they’ll display even more color in the fall months.
Another excellent choice for your front or side yard is the ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae. This hedge-like tree can be planted in a row with others to create privacy and shade.
With these suggestions in mind, we recommend that you plant what you like. In all honesty, any type of tree can grow to become a “shade tree.” Assuming the trees you choose are suitable for the weather in North Carolina, they will provide your yard and home with some shade.
Benefits of Planting Shade Trees
The reasons to have shade for your home are numerous — there are a few that you maybe don’t automatically think about.
Shade, Obviously – When temperatures {soar|get too hot, you won’t need to run indoors if you have a nice, shady yard. Put a chair or hammock under your best shade tree and relax outside as long as you like.
Climate Control – Trees can regulate the temperature in your yard and inside your house. Not only do trees protect you from the glaring sun, but they can also make it feel 10-15 degrees cooler under their canopies. This means less solar radiation on your roof and siding as well, which should also result in lowering your energy costs!
Better Air Quality – Trees produce oxygen and remove pollutants from the air, so there is cleaner air around your home. Arbor Day Foundation research states that one mature tree absorbs around 48 pounds of CO2 from the air.
Safety for Animals – If you’re into bird watching or think squirrels and chipmunks are adorable, your shade trees can give them all they need to build a habitat, find nearby food and raise babies.
Fun – What child doesn’t want a backyard tree house or tire swing? If you have children, shade trees can offer hours of fun and countless memories.
How to Care for Shade Trees
Caring for shade trees is very simple as long as you’ve planted the right species for the weather in North Carolina. Trees are strong and hardy after a couple of years, needing little attention or maintenance.
Consult a certified arborist from NC Tree Trimming if you have any questions about the care of your trees, or to help you determine the best tree for your property.
Once you have chosen the best shade tree(s) for your yard, follow this easy care guide until your shade tree is well established.
Planting Your Shade Tree
The east, west and south sides of your property get the most sun, so plant your new trees on one of these areas of your yard. This is two-fold: 1) the trees will provide the ideal amount of shade and 2) they will also receive the maximum amount of sun for healthy growth.
Pruning Your Shade Tree
Prune during the first year or two after you first plant the tree in order to shape it and help it form a strong foundation. To be safe, and for the best results, call NC Tree Trimming for tree trimming in North Carolina. A certified arborist will arrive at your home and deliver professional care for the tree.
Watering Your Shade Tree
Watering a new tree is very important. This will help them form a deep root system and will give the tree stability over the course of its lifetime.
Fertilizing Your Shade Tree
Fertilize a shade tree just like you would any other tree in order to aid healthy growth. Fertilizer is not necessary for caring for a shade tree, but it can help your tree to grow faster and produce more leaves, which are the source of your shade.
We hope this blog post was helpful! Remember, when it is time to prune or trim a new shade tree, NC Tree Trimming can help! Call us and a certified arborist in North Carolina will visit your property, examine the tree and decide the best care plan for its long-term growth and health.
