Imagine elegant weeping willows dangling their tendrils over a quiet pond. Or, a grand oak offering shelter and protection with wide open arms. Gorgeous, yes! But, shade trees have economical and practical attributes, as well, and should be considered in your landscaping plan.
Warm, summer sunlight streaming through your windows can feel amazing. But, by mid-afternoon, it’s going to force your AC to work a lot harder. Costing you money.
The best trees for shade, planted in strategic places, allow you to enjoy the sunshine, while providing natural, cost-cutting cover and protection, in every season.
Choosing The Best Trees For Shade
The best shade tree for your particular landscaping starts with maturity size. Purchasing a sapling promotes a more cost-effective project. But, it will eventually grow bigger.
Make your choice easier by narrowing your list to those that mature to size within the scale of your garden’s proportions and other structures around it.
A second consideration is growth density. How much shade do you want? Do you want full shade or dappled sunlight? Will this tree be shading your home or a patio or deck?
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Fastest Growing Shade Trees
Fast-growing trees increase cost-effectiveness even more by allowing you to reach your shade goals, in less time.
Let me tell you what defines a “fast-growing” tree first of all. It is those that increase in size by 1.5’ – 3’, per year. This will naturally depend on the species and environmental factors like soil quality and moisture availability.
We’ll start our journey through the best trees for shade with three deciduous examples that are some of the most popular. Offering ever-changing beauty, in addition to money-saving shade and protection for your home.
Weeping Willow
(Salix babylonica)
Tree Summary
This exquisite specimen contributes shade and protection from the elements in zones 4-9. Preferring full/partial sun, it thrives in moderately moist soil. Maturing to 30’-50’ tall and wide, at a potential rate of 10’, per year, when young and 2ft, per annum, once mature.
Tree Appeal
This willow offers stunning visual appeal with a graceful crown of pendulous branches, full of silver-green, flowering catkins, in April and May.
Tree Care
Water regularly for the first 12 months, to maintain consistent moisture. When necessary, fertilize with a triple 10 NPK and trim away any damaged branches, in early spring.
Northern Red Oak Tree
(Quercus rubra)
Tree Summary
Famous for its shady structure, the majestic Red Oak matures to 60-75’ in height, with a 45’ spread, at a rate of 2-3’, per year. Cold-hardy in zones 3-8, this thrives in full sun and acidic, well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
In summer, dense-growing, lobed leaves provide optimal shade. In autumn, leaves develop gradient shades of copper and crimson, dotted by clustered acorns.
Tree Care
Water deeply, until roots establish. If growth is slow, a triple 10 or 20 NPK can be applied, in spring. Oak trees should be pruned every 2-3 years to ensure sufficient air circulation and disease prevention.
American Red Maple Tree
(Acer rubrum ‘Brandywine’)
Tree Summary
With a tall, narrow profile, the American Red offers fast-growing shade in smaller spaces, in zones 3-9. Maturing to 40-60’ tall, at 24” per year, this favors full sun and a variety of well-draining soil types.
Tree Appeal
The American Red is best known for its eye-catching fall color. Yet, starts the season with familiar, dark green leaves and clusters of red and yellow flowers.
Tree Care
Water young Maples weekly, until established. Apply slow-release, triple 10 granules in spring and summer. Yearly pruning should be done when new leaves have fully matured.
Evergreen Shade Trees
What defines the best shade trees will differ from project to project. If for your landscape, that means something that provides more shade with less autumn leaf shedding, then evergreens may be more your style.
True evergreens remain green (albeit dormant) right through winter and resume new growth in spring. Semi-evergreens thrive in a broad range of climates, only losing their leaves in the coldest ones.
The primary benefits of the next three shade-bearing examples are resilience and low maintenance. While imparting a bit of color, plus fragrance and similar warming and cooling perks to the previous three.
Little Gem Magnolia Tree
(Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’)
Tree Summary
A dwarf version of the Magnolia Grandiflora, this warm climate evergreen still grows to 20’ by 10’, perfect for shading drives and walkways in zones 6-9. These can also be grown in pots, around patios and decks, that provide full/partial sun and acidic, well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
This Magnolia produces creamy, fragrant, 4” blooms, in the second year, among leathery green and copper leaves. Blooming more profusely when younger.
Tree Care
Water twice weekly or when soil is dry down 3”, until established. Encourage more blooms with a triple 10 NPK in spring. Only prune after summer flowers fade.
Bronze Loquat
(Eriobotrya deflexa)
Tree Summary
Another warm-climate evergreen now and one that is versatile enough to be grown not only as a shade tree but also as a potted feature or even trained as an espalier. Preferring full sun in zones 9-11, this Loquat matures to 15-25’ tall and wide,
Tree Appeal
New, red, and copper growth emerges in spring, greening into maturity while releasing a profusion of white flowers. Which develop into small berries, in autumn.
Tree Care
New Loquats benefit from deep, weekly watering until established. When needed, a nitrogen-rich NPK can be applied in spring and summer. Keeping branches pruned to 3ft long will encourage new branching for a fuller appearance.
Eastern Red Cedar Tree
(Juniperus Virginiana)
Tree Summary
This imposing conifer can help keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter, while growing 2’ per year, to a maximum of 50’ by 20’, in zones 2-9. Preferring direct sunlight and well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
Ideal for open landscapes, dense-growing leaflets around sturdy branches, form a conical crown that casts protective shade, year-round. In autumn, small, blue-green, seed cones appear.
Tree Care
Water new trees when the soil is dry down 2”. Apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring, when necessary. Pruning is only required to maintain the desired shape.
Trees For Shade And Privacy
Now, we’ll add a third consideration to the mix. Say, you’d like a beautiful tree that provides shade, protection and color, yet also offers functional privacy in urban and suburban settings.
I highly recommend these next options as the best trees for shade and privacy. Vibrant, seasonal color combined with varying heights make these fantastic choices for planting en masse along property borders in different hardiness zones.
Ginkgo Tree
(Ginkgo biloba)
Tree Summary
This ancient tree matures to 25’ tall and wide for effective privacy planting. Vivid color and robust growth result when planted in full/partial sun and acidic, well-draining soil, in zones 3-9.
Tree Appeal
Large, fan-like leaves sprout along outward-reaching branches in a rounded form. Creating a mass of color that ebbs to a golden yellow, in autumn. Followed by small Ginkgo berries.
Tree Care
Ginkgos need regular watering in all stages of growth. This includes natural rainfall. A triple 10 NPK is only necessary when growing these in pots. Start shaping Ginkgos from the sapling stage to develop a strong, central trunk.
Tulip Poplar
(Liriodendron tulipifera)
Tree Summary
A fast-growing privacy tree covered in tulip-shaped flowers is a stunning sight. This popular offers just that as it matures to 70-90’ tall with a 40’ spread, in zones 4-9. Preferring full sun and acidic, loamy soil.
Tree Appeal
Dark, lobed leaves emerge in spring, forming a dense summer canopy. Mature trees release pale green and orange, tulip-shaped blooms that emit a honey-like scent. In autumn, leaves fade to golden yellow.
Tree Care
Saplings should be watered well during periods of drought. When needed, fertilize with slow-releasing, triple 10 granules. Prune to develop a central leader and maintain an appealing shape.
Royal Purple Smoke Tree
(Cotinus coggygria)
Tree Summary
For shorter privacy barriers, lush growth from purple smoke trees will fill in quickly and reach 10-15’ tall and wide. Color and blooming will be more pronounced when planted in full/partial and acidic, well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
Gossamer flowers create a wispy, soft pink cloud above burgundy, summer foliage. Leaves take on crimson, gold, and plum hues, along with small berries, as autumn approaches.
Tree Care
Saplings require consistent moisture for healthy root establishment, then every two weeks, depending on rainfall. Fertilizing smoke trees is typically not necessary. Pruning is only needed to remove lower branches.
Growing Ornamental Shade Trees
The final consideration for a shade tree is ornamentation. Sometimes, trees are chosen for their stunning features, with the shade they provide being secondary.
Other times, you just long to enjoy the shade while looking up into a thick canopy, full of floral color.
My final picks fit into both scenarios. Giving you options that run the gamut of hardiness zones, maturity size, color and, of course, cost-effective practicality.
These may need a bit more TLC to maintain all that. But, considering what you get in return, it’s well worth it.
Pink Weeping Cherry Tree
(Prunus subhirtella var. pendula)
Tree Summary
This prolific bloomer will fill your garden with brilliant color and the sweet scent of cherry blossoms. Maturing 30’ tall and wide, this tree prefers full/ partial sun and a variety of well-draining soils, in zones 4-9.
Tree Appeal
Tapered branches dangle clusters of soft pink blooms in the spring breeze. Long, narrow leaves of dark green sprout on alternating sides of each weeping branch, in summer.
Tree Care
Water saplings frequently, until established. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich NPK, starting in the third growing season. Pruning away spent flowers and fruit will encourage increased budding next season.
Twilight Crape Myrtle
(Lagerstroemia indica ‘Twilight’)
Tree Summary
This Twilight Crepe version can grow to 20’, or more, with a wide-spreading parasol crown covered with lilac blooms, in zones 6-9. Perfect as an ornamental privacy barrier when planted in full sun and acidic soil.
Tree Appeal
Scented flower clusters bloom from the tips of outward-reaching branches and last for a full two months. Foliage develops gold, copper, and burgundy autumn hues.
Tree Care
Drought-tolerant Myrtles may need supplemental watering in dry weather. They don’t respond well to heavy pruning but can be trimmed to remove spent flowers. When necessary, offer a nitrogen-rich NPK to encourage lush foliage.
Jacaranda Tree
(Lagerstroemia indica ‘Twilight’)
Tree Summary
In warm zones 10 and 11, the Jacaranda is the quintessential ornamental. Resistant to both pests and disease, these will bloom even in the driest of times, when planted in full sun and a range of different, well-draining soil types.
Tree Appeal
This lush, tropical tree produces panicles of fragrant purple blooms along strong, outward-extending branches. Creating optimal shade with densely-growing, fern-like fronds that can reach 20”, in length.
Tree Care
Water new Jacarandas twice weekly, until established. Fertilizing is generally not needed. Prune only to remove damaged branches.
FAQ Best Trees For Shade
Best Trees For Shade Trees Final Thoughts
Shade trees are revered for their beautiful, economical and practical attributes. When well-positioned, these allow you to enjoy the sunshine, while providing natural, cost-cutting cover and protection, throughout the year.
Fast-growing options, like Magnolias and Maples, offer ever-changing beauty with little fuss. For shade, privacy and seasonal color, the Ginkgo Biloba and Purple Smoke Tree are unsurpassed.
Ornamentals, like the effervescent Jacaranda and abundantly blooming Weeping cherry, may need a bit more attention in times of drought, but what they offer in return, like all the options we’ve seen, are well worth it.
