Having shade trees on your landscaping has many wonderful benefits. Underneath a full-grown shade tree is the best place for a backyard BBQ or for children to play outside. It will also keep your home cooler during warmer months of the year.
To get the full benefit of shade trees, you need to plant the right species of tree and care for them correctly.
AZ 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
Any tree can technically provide shade, but there are some types of trees that are built for the best shade. These types of trees usually have a thick, wide canopy that reaches out nearly as far as it does upward.
Below, we’ve provided some examples of shade trees based on whether they would be best planted in your front or back yard.
Back Yard Shade Trees
Shade trees in the back yard are typically for the homeowner’s benefit. Neighbors and passersby usually won’t be able to see these trees , so they can be planted purely for shade and enjoyment.
In addition to shade, these trees can create year-round color and some extra privacy from neighbors.
Here are popular options:
- Magnolia
- Sugar maple or silver maple
- Weeping willow
- Weeping cherry
- Red oak
If you have enough space, a live oak is a beautiful choice. Live oaks are said to be the fastest growing shade trees, and are able to get very big. A mature live oak is able to reach up to 80 feet tall and up to 100 feet wide.
Many of these back yard shade tree suggestions get very large, so you definitely want to do some research to find out if the tree is going to have enough space to reach maturity.
If there is not enough room, its root system can destroy your fencing or home. You will also have to prune the tree every year to keep it manageable. A tree that is too large for its area will most likely have to be removed, which is an inconvenient and sometimes expensive situation.
Front Yard Shade Trees
In the front yard of your home, you are planting trees for your enjoyment as well, but these trees will be much more beneficial for adding curb appeal and value to your home since they can be seen.
Choose shade trees for the front yard that are a little smaller so they don’t overshadow your home. These trees should complement your landscaping in both color and size, while still providing plenty of shade for front yard relaxation and play.
These are some of the shade trees AZ Tree Trimming recommends:
Red maple
River birch
Dogwood
White oak
Ginkgo tree
These species trees are beautiful throughout the year, and they’ll showcase even more color during the fall.
Another excellent choice for your front or side yard is the ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae. This hedge-like tree can be planted in a long row to provide privacy and shade.
With this advice in mind, we encourage you to plant what you like. In truth, any type of tree can be a “shade tree.” Assuming the trees you choose are suitable for the weather in Arizona, they will provide your yard and home with some shade.
Benefits of Planting Shade Trees
The reasons to have shade on your property are numerous — there are a few that you likely don’t typically think about.
Shade, Obviously – When temperatures {soar|get very warm, you don’t have to hide indoors if you have a nice, shady yard. Place a chair or hammock under your biggest shade tree and enjoy time outside as long as you like.
Climate Control – Trees can help regulate the temperature in your yard and inside your home. Not only will trees protect you from glaring sun, but they can make it feel 10-15 degrees colder under their protective canopies. This results in less solar radiation on your roof and siding as well, which might result in lower energy costs!
Better Air Quality – Trees produce oxygen and filter out pollutantsfrom the air, so there is cleaner air surrounding your house. Arbor Day Foundation research reports that one mature tree absorbs around 48 pounds of CO2 out of the air.
Safety for Animals – If you enjoy bird watching or think squirrels and chipmunks are cute, your trees can provide them all they will need to build a habitat, find food and raise babies.
Fun – What kid doesn’t want a backyard tree fort or tire swing? If you have small children, shade trees will provide hours of fun and joyful memories.
How to Care for Shade Trees
Maintaining shade trees is very easy as long as you’ve planted the right species for the climate in Arizona. Healthy trees are strong and durable after the first few years, demanding little attention or care.
Consult an arborist from AZ Tree Trimming if you have any questions about the care of your shade trees, or to help you determine the best tree for your property.
Once you have determined the best shade tree(s), follow this easy care guide until your shade tree is fully grown.
Planting Your Shade Tree
The south, west and east of your yard always get the most sun, so plant your trees on one of these sides of your yard. This is two-fold: 1) the trees will then create the maximum amount of shade and 2) they will also receive the maximum amount of sun to grow healthy.
Trimming Your Shade Tree
Trim during the first year or two after planting the tree in order to shape it and help it form a strong foundation. To be safe, and for the best results, call AZ Tree Trimming for tree trimming in Arizona. A certified arborist will arrive at your home and deliver professional care for the tree.
Watering Your Shade Tree
Watering a new tree is crucial. This will help them form a deep root system and will give the tree more stability over the course of its lifetime.
Fertilizing Your Shade Tree
Fertilize a shade tree the same way you would any other type of tree in order to support healthy growth. Fertilizer is not a requirement for caring for a shade tree, but it can help your tree to grow faster and blossom more leaves, which are the source of your shade.
We hope this information was helpful! Remember, when it comes time to prune or trim a new shade tree, AZ Tree Trimming can help! Call us and a certified arborist in Arizona will visit your home, assess the tree and determine the best care plan for its long-term growth and health.
