Growing shade trees in your yard has many amazing benefits. Underneath a big shade tree is the best location for a backyard BBQ or for kids to play outdoors. It 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 properly.
HI Tree Trimming has recommendations for the best trees to plant for shade, and some expert advice on taking care of your shade trees so they grow healthy and strong.
Planting Trees for Shade
Any tree can technically provide shade, but there are some species that are built for the best shade. These types of trees often have a thick, wide canopy that extends out nearly as far as it does upward.
In the following paragraphs, we’ve provided examples of shade trees depending on whether they would be best suited for your front or back yard.
Back Yard Shade Trees
Shade trees in the back yard are primarily for your own benefit. Next-door neighbors and passersby probably won’t be able to see these trees very much, so they can be planted purely for shade and enjoyment.
Besides just shade, these trees can create year-round color and some additional privacy from neighbors.
Here are popular choices:
- Magnolia
- Sugar maple or silver maple
- Weeping willow
- Weeping cherry
- Red oak
If you have enough space, a live oak is another fantastic choice. Live oaks are said to be the fastest growing shade trees, and are able to get very large. An older live oak is able to grow up to 80 feet tall and up to 100 feet wide.
Most of these back yard shade tree suggestions get very big, so you definitely want to do a little research to find out if the tree is going to 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 home foundation. You will also need to prune the tree every year to keep it from being overgrown. A tree that is too large for its area will most likely have to be cut down, which is an unfortunate and sometimes expensive situation.
Front Yard Shade Trees
In the front yard, you are planting trees for your enjoyment as well, but they will be much more beneficial for increasing curb appeal and value to your home than the back yard trees.
Buy shade trees for the front yard that are a little smaller so they don’t overpower your home. These trees should pair with your landscaping in both color and size, while still providing plenty of shade for front yard play and relaxation.
These are some of the shade trees HI Tree Trimming recommends:
Red maple
River birch
Dogwood
White oak
Ginkgo tree
These types of trees are colorful throughout the year, and they’ll showcase even more color in the fall months.
Another good option for your front or side yard is the ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae. This hedge-like tree can be planted in a long row to create privacy and shade.
With these suggestions in mind, we recommend that you plant trees you like. In reality, any tree can be a “shade tree.” As long as the trees you choose are suitable for the climate in Hawaii, they will provide your home and landscaping with some shade.
Benefits of Planting Shade Trees
The benefits of having shade on your property are numerous — there are a few that you probably wouldn’t typically think about.
Shade, Obviously – When temperatures soar, you won’t need to run indoors if you have a nice, shady yard. Place a chair or hammock under your best shade tree and enjoy time outside as long as you like.
Climate Control – Trees can regulate the temperature in your yard and inside your house. Not only will trees protect you from hot sun, but they can also make it feel 10-15 degrees cooler below their protective canopies. This leads to less solar radiation on your home as well, which could result in lower energy costs!
Better Air Quality – Trees produce oxygen and remove pollutants, so there is healthier air surrounding your house. Arbor Day Foundation research states that one mature tree absorbs around 48 pounds of CO2 out of 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 will need to build a shelter, find food and raise babies.
Fun – What child doesn’t love a backyard tire swing or tree house? If you have children, shade trees will offer hours of fun and countless memories.
How to Care for Shade Trees
Caring for shade trees is pretty simple as long as you’ve chosen the right species for the weather in Hawaii. Healthy trees are strong and hardy after a couple of years, needing little attention or maintenance.
Consult an arborist from HI Tree Trimming if you have questions about how to care for your shade trees, or even to help you decide the best tree for your home.
As soon as you have decided on 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 south, west and east of your property 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 provide the ideal amount of shade and 2) they will also receive the most amount of sun to grow healthy.
Trimming Your Shade Tree
Trim during the first year or two after you first plant the tree in order to shape it and help it form a strong structure. To be safe, and for the best results, call HI Tree Trimming for tree trimming in Hawaii. 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 develop a deep and strong root system and will give the tree stability over the course of its lifetime.
Fertilizing Your Shade Tree
Homeowners should fertilize a shade tree just like you would any other type of tree in order to aid 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 primary source of your shade.
We hope this information was helpful! Remember, when it comes time to prune or trim a new shade tree, HI Tree Trimming can help! Call and a certified arborist in Hawaii will visit your property, examine the tree and decide the best maintenance plan for its long-term health and growth.
