Planting shade trees in your yard has many wonderful benefits. Underneath a large shade tree is the best location for a backyard BBQ or for children to play outside. A shade tree will also keep your home cooler when temperatures rise.
To get all of the benefits of shade trees, you need to plant the correct species and care for them correctly.
NH Tree Trimming has recommendations for the best trees to plant for shade, and some expert advice on caring for your shade trees so they continue to grow healthy and strong.
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 trees often have a thick, wide canopy that reaches out nearly as far as it does upward.
In the following paragraphs, we’ve provided some examples of shade trees based on whether they would be best suited for 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 purely for shade and enjoyment.
Besides just shade, these trees can provide year-round color and some extra privacy from neighbors.
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 a fantastic choice. Live oaks are said to be the fastest growing shade trees, and they can get very large. An older live oak is able to reach up to 80 feet tall and up to 100 feet wide.
Most of these back yard shade tree recommendations get very big, so you definitely want to do your research to determine if the tree will have enough space to grow to its full potential.
If there is not enough space, the tree’s root system can destroy your fencing or even your home. You will also have to prune the tree every year to keep it from being overgrown. A tree that grows too big for its area will most likely have to be cut down, which is an inconvenient and sometimes costly 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 impactful for adding value and curb appeal 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 and landscaping. These trees should complement your landscaping in size and color, while still providing plenty of shade for front yard play and relaxation.
These are some of our favorites:
Red maple
River birch
Dogwood
White oak
Ginkgo tree
These species trees are colorful throughout the year, and they’ll display even more color in the fall months.
Another great 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 recommend that you plant trees you like. In truth, any type of tree can grow to become a “shade tree.” As long as the trees you choose are suitable for the weather in New Hampshire, they will provide your home and landscaping with some shade.
Benefits of Planting Shade Trees
The reasons to have shade on your property are numerous — there are some that you probably wouldn’t typically think about.
Shade, Obviously – When temperatures {soar|get too hot, you don’t have to hide 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 help regulate the temperature in your yard and inside your home. Not only do trees protect you from glaring sun, but they can make it feel 10-15 degrees colder underneath their canopies. This means less solar radiation on your home as well, which might result in lower energy costs!
Better Air Quality – Trees produce oxygen and remove pollutants, so there is healthier air around your home. Arbor Day Foundation research states that one mature tree absorbs around 48 pounds of CO2 from the air.
Shelter for Animals – If you enjoy bird watching or think chipmunks are adorable, your shade trees can give them all they will need to build a shelter, find food and raise babies.
Fun – What kid doesn’t love a backyard tree house or tire swing? If you have children, shade trees will provide hours of fun and countless memories.
How to Care for Shade Trees
Maintaining shade trees is pretty easy as long as you’ve chosen the right species for the weather in New Hampshire. Trees are strong and hardy after the first few years, demanding little attention or care.
Consult an arborist from NH Tree Trimming if you have questions about how to care for your shade trees, or even to help you select the best tree for your property.
After you have decided on the best shade tree(s) for your yard, follow this care guide until your shade tree is fully grown.
Planting Your Shade Tree
The south, west and east of your property always get the most sun, so plant your trees on one of these areas 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 for healthy growth.
Pruning Your Shade Tree
Prune during the first year or two after planting the tree in order to shape it and help it form a strong structure. To be safe, and for the best results, call NH Tree Trimming for tree trimming in New Hampshire. 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 helps them form a deep and strong root system and will give the tree more stability in the long run.
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 assist in helping your tree to grow faster and blossom 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, NH Tree Trimming can help! Call and a certified arborist in New Hampshire will visit your home, examine the tree and formulate the best care plan for its long-term health and growth.
