Having shade trees in your yard has many wonderful benefits. Underneath a big shade tree is the best location for a backyard barbeque or for children to play outside. It will also keep your home cooler when temperatures rise.
To get all of the benefits of shade trees, you need to plant the right species of tree and care for them properly.
MS Tree Trimming has recommendations for the best trees to plant for shade, and some expert advice on maintaining 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 maximum shade. These trees usually have a thick, wide canopy that reaches out about as far as it does upward.
Below, we’ve provided examples of shade trees based on whether they would be best suited for your back or front yard.
Back Yard Shade Trees
Shade trees in the back yard are primarily for your own benefit. Neighbors and passersby usually won’t see these trees , so they can be purely for shade and enjoyment.
Besides just shade, these trees can provide year-round color as well as some additional privacy.
Here are popular choices:
- Magnolia
- Sugar maple or silver maple
- Weeping willow
- Weeping cherry
- Red oak
If you have a large enough space, a live oak is a fantastic choice. Live oaks are said to be the fastest growing shade trees, and are able to get very large. An older live oak can grow up to 80 feet tall and as much as 100 feet wide.
Most of these back yard tree suggestions get pretty large, so you need to do a little research to find out 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 damage your fencing or even your home. You will also need to prune the tree every year to keep it manageable. A tree that is too large for its location will probably have to be removed, which is an unfortunate 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 they will be much more beneficial for increasing curb appeal and value to your home since they can be seen.
Choose shade trees for the front yard that are somewhat smaller so they don’t overpower your home and landscaping. These trees should pair with your landscaping in both color and size, while still offering lots of shade for front yard relaxation and play.
These are some of our favorites:
Red maple
River birch
Dogwood
White oak
Ginkgo tree
These trees are beautiful throughout the year, and they’ll display even more color during the fall.
Another excellent option for your front or side yard is the ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae. This hedge-like tree can be planted in a row to create privacy and shade.
With options in mind, we encourage you to plant trees you like. In all honesty, any tree can be a “shade tree.” Assuming the trees you choose are suitable for the climate in Mississippi, they will provide your yard and home 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 automatically think about.
Shade, Obviously – When temperatures get too hot, you don’t have to hide indoors if you have a comfortable, shady yard. Put 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 do trees protect you from the hot sun, but they can make it feel 10-15 degrees cooler 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 remove pollutants, so there is healthier air around your house. Arbor Day Foundation research states that one mature tree absorbs around 48 pounds of CO2 out of the air.
Shelter for Animals – If you’re into bird watching or think squirrels and chipmunks are cute, your trees can give them all they will need to build a home, find nearby food and raise babies.
Fun – What kid doesn’t want a backyard tree house or tire swing? If you have small children, shade trees will provide hours of fun and joyful memories.
How to Care for Shade Trees
Caring for shade trees is pretty easy as long as you’ve planted the right species for the weather in Mississippi. Healthy trees are strong and hardy after a couple of years, needing little attention or maintenance.
Consult an arborist from MS Tree Trimming if you have any questions about how to care for your shade trees, or even to help you select the perfect tree for your yard.
Once you have decided on the perfect shade tree(s) for your yard, follow this care guide until your shade tree is well established.
Planting Your Shade Tree
The south, west and east of your yard get the most sun, so plant your trees on one of these sides of your yard. This is two-fold: 1) the trees will provide the ideal amount of shade and 2) they will also receive the most amount of sun for healthy growth.
Trimming Your Shade Tree
Prune during the first year or two after planting the tree to help to shape it and help it form a strong foundation. To be safe, and for the best results, call MS Tree Trimming for tree trimming in Mississippi. 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 more stability in the long run.
Fertilizing Your Shade Tree
Fertilize a shade tree the same way you would any other tree in order to promote growth. Fertilizer is not necessary for caring for a shade tree, but it can assist in helping your tree to grow faster and produce more leaves, which are the primary source of your shade.
We hope this information was helpful! Remember, when it is time to trim or prune a new shade tree, MS Tree Trimming can help! Call and a certified arborist in Mississippi will visit your property, examine the tree and decide the proper maintenance plan for its long-term health and growth.
