The experts at Bower & Branch suggest planting a row of weeping willows in front of a row of slower-growing, but longer lived trees such as oak. They are also short lived compared to many slower-growing trees, lasting for only a few decades. But if you have a large garden and can position them 50ft away from utilities, then they will make a charming addition. Sadly, weeping willows are not suitable for smaller yards, as their roots can cause damage to underground pipework. They are also fast growing, at a rate of 3-4ft per year, offering a quick route to shade and privacy. (Image credit: Andrea Kennard Photography / Getty Images)įew trees are as evocative of lazy summer days than the weeping willow – Salix babylonica – which provides a protective branch canopy that’s perfect for picnicking beneath. ‘It also offers beautiful colors in the fall, from russet to bright red, and produces acorns that birds and animals love.’ 2. 'It can tolerate drought, pollution, and compacted soil. ‘It grows at a rate of 2ft per year and develops a dense round crown that provides great shade,’ says Codey Stout, head operations manager at Tree Triage. However, a faster-growing alternative is the northern red oak – Quercus rubra – which is suitable for zones 3-8. The downside of most oak trees is that they are slow growing and will take many years to become established. 'It's also a really hardy tree that and can weather big storms.' It's large with a huge root structure, so needs space to grow, but it’s a wonderful shade tree for your garden space,' says Bradley. ‘The live oak can grow in a lot of different scenarios. Meanwhile, the live oak tree – Quercus virginiana – is a beloved tree in southern and central states, thriving in zones 7-10. 'As an East Coast and Midwest landscape architect, my personal favorite is the white oak – Quercus alba – due to its graceful habit, delicately lobed leaves, and uniformly shaggy bark.’ It's a versatile tree suitable for zones 3-9. ‘Although this is an extremely broad genus, there are shade-providing varieties that grow in most regions. ‘Hands down, my favorite tree for shade is an oak,’ says Yost. The mighty oak is one of the best trees for shade, and treasured by gardeners around the world. (Image credit: Tetra Images / Getty Images) 'Ask yourself, what is it that nature needs?’Ĭheck the USDA plant hardiness zone map to see whether a tree is likely to thrive in your area. ‘Trees that are grown in the nursery may not actually be the right choice for your area, so plant native trees and try to create a design that helps build eco systems,' she says. However, when choosing the best trees for backyard shade, Bradley stresses the importance of choosing species that will thrive in your local environment. 'This maximizes the tree’s visual impact in your space and provides multi-season interest.' ‘Seek out varieties that not only cast shade, but also provide spring flowers or bright fall colors,' adds McConnell. The good news is that the best trees for shade are also some of the best trees for privacy, allowing you to screen your garden to create a peaceful, secluded environment. For this purpose, look for varieties with dense foliage and vertical growth habits to get both shade and screening.’ 'A well-chosen shade tree can also serve an important role in dividing gardens, creating outdoor rooms.
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