Common Questions About Shade Trees
What Shade Trees Grow the Fastest?
Some fast-growing shade trees include quaking aspen, northern red oak, paper birch, red sunset maple and hackberry trees. When choosing the best shade trees to plant in your yard, make sure to pick varieties that will thrive in the climate you live in.
Do Palm Trees Provide Shade?
Palm trees provide a good amount of shade in smaller areas. Consider planting several trees.
What Is a Good Shade Tree That Is Not Messy?
Shade trees that won't make a big mess include maples, flowering dogwood, spruce and arborvitae.
Benefits of Shade Trees
- Reduce heating and cooling costs both indoors and out
- Drop the summer temperatures under their canopies by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit
- Reduce heat reflected from paved areas
- Attract and sustain wildlife
- Convert carbon dioxide to oxygen
- Help prevent soil erosion
- Increase your property value
- Provide leaves for the compost bin
This article defines a shade tree as one that exceeds 25 feet in height at maturity.
Choosing Shade Tree Locations
- Soil: Do a soil test and follow the recommendations. Urban areas often have shallow or compacted topsoil that needs amending.
- Sun: How much sunlight does the site get? Most shade trees prefer full to partial sun. Check the plant tag for sunlight requirements.
- Wind: Strong prevailing winds dry out the tree and soil. Trees with dense foliage can be toppled by severe storms.
- Space: How much space do you have? Plan for the tree's size at maturity. The mature height and width should be on the plant tag. You can also check a plant guide for these key measurements. Remember the space needed for proper root growth. A tree's roots can grow up to three times the diameter of the canopy. Consider your neighbors when choosing and planting. They might not enjoy raking leaves as much as you do. Don't plant a shade tree too close to other trees. They'll compete for water and nutrients, and none of them will thrive.
- Utilities: If you have wires overhead, your tree can only reach a maximum of 20 feet in height (maybe less) before interfering with utilities.
Before beginning any excavation, call 811 to check for underground utilities.
Shade Tree Considerations
Maintenance
Healthy shade trees require little maintenance other than occasional pruning and feeding. And of course, there's the raking. A mature tree can produce a lot of leaves. Make sure you're up to the challenge. Leaf blowers are a great option for dealing with those leaves. Also, keep in mind how you'll be mowing around the tree — you may need to trim low-hanging branches to avoid running into them.
Growing Zone
Native plants are always a good bet, and trees are no exception. Although they're not all shade trees, check the list of official United States state trees. Whatever you decide, get a tree that's suitable for your USDA growing zone.
Rate of Growth
Faster-growing trees can have a shorter life span under some conditions, as rapid growth doesn't produce a strong system of roots and branches. On the other hand, some trees survive for hundreds of years. They won't begin to reach mature height for some time and quite frankly, you may not be around to see it happen. Planting one of these varieties is definitely a gift for future generations.
Appearance
Trees will mature into distinctive shapes. Make sure the tree fits the overall design of your landscape. You don't want trees to block your views, or grow too close to your home. Think through how that small tree will look in 10 or 20 years.
Planting
All of your thought and research when selecting a tree is worthless if it doesn't grow. Make sure that you plant the tree correctly, and get it off to a good start. For pro tips check out our guide — How to Plant a Tree or Shrub.
Pruning and Trimming
Lower branches help support the tree and trunk, and provide balance. Cut sparingly or consult an arborist before pruning anything other than dead wood. Don't top trees; if your tree has overgrown its bounds, there are alternatives to giving it a flattop. Crown reduction is a technique that allows the tree mass to be reduced without changing its natural shape or endangering its health. Again, consult an arborist about these techniques.
Trimming Around Trunks
Avoid string trimmers unless you have a very steady hand. Even small wounds to the outer bark allow insects and disease inside. When bark is stripped from around the trunk (called girdling), the tree eventually can die.
Grass Underneath
Sometimes trimming underneath a large shade tree is a nonissue since very often no grass will grow there anyway. Maintaining turfgrass under shade trees can be a challenge. When grass and trees compete for water, nutrients and sunlight, usually the trees win. If you insist on grass, there are shade-tolerant grass varieties available. The alternative is to make the area under the tree a turf-free area. Mulch 2 to 4 inches deep (more than 6 inches is too deep; water and air won't get through). Keep the mulch 1 to 2 inches away from the trunk.
Feeding and Watering
Healthy trees generally don't require much fertilizing. If you notice reduced growth, give them a feeding in autumn or early spring. Provide water during drought, but only if you're able to water the tree deeply. Remember that a tree's roots are normally in the top 6 to 12 inches of soil, and any water or chemical (fertilizer or pesticide) will be absorbed by the tree.
Comparing Common Shade Trees
