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What trees are good for shade


12 Fast-Growing Shade Trees for 2022

Ah, shade. It’s what we all crave from our trees, but it can often take a long time to achieve it. Looking for faster results? Check out these 12 fast-growing shade trees.

1. Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

If there were a Guinness Book of World Records for trees, the quaking aspen would be in it — several times. First, it has the widest natural range of any tree in North America, spanning 47 degrees of latitude (equal to half the distance from the equator to the North Pole), 110 degrees of longitude (nine time zones) and elevations from sea level to timberline. It is also the largest living organism, growing in clones that reproduce primarily by sending up sprouts from their roots. And as far as the oldest … a clone in Minnesota has been estimated to be thousands of years old!

It is not a tree for all places. But planted in the right location, the quaking aspen is a delight of color, movement, and sound.

Zones 1-7

2. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

The northern red oak has been called “one of the handsomest, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America” by naturalist Joseph S. Illick, and it is widely considered a national treasure. It is especially valued for its adaptability and usefulness, including its hardiness in urban settings. This medium to large tree is also known for its brilliant fall color, great value to wildlife.

Whether you’re selecting a tree to plant in your front yard or out on the farm, it’s a fast-growing species worth keeping in mind.

Zones 3-8

3. Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

The paper birch is one of the best-loved trees of the New England landscape, even serving as the state tree of New Hampshire. This fast-grower is often planted for the beauty of its most distinctive characteristic — smooth, white bark that curls and peels once the tree matures. It also provides a splash of brilliant yellow color every fall. Being highly deer-resistant and tolerant to a wide range of soil conditions only add to the popularity of this tree.

Zones 2-7

Read More: 10 Drought-Tolerant Trees That Will Throw Shade

4. Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’)

Known as one of the best red maple cultivars, this tree delivers on color. Winter buds, clusters of small winter/spring flowers, leaf stems, twigs and winged summer fruits all carry a red hue. And of course, the fall show is breathtaking, with red and orange leaves blending to give a sunset effect.

The lovely red coloring, a good branch structure and a faster growth rate make the red sunset maple a welcome enhancement to any yard or public space.

Zones 4-8

5. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

The hackberry, while often forgotten by casual consumers, is commonly heralded by tree experts as “one tough tree.” Found on a wide range of soils east of the Rockies from southern Canada to Florida, these trees thrive in a broad span of temperatures and on sites that vary from 14 to 60″ of annual rainfall. They can even stand up to strong winds and tolerate air pollution.

All of this hardiness adds up to a good landscape choice, particularly if you’re looking for an energy-conserving shade tree that doesn’t require watering.

Zones 3-9

Read More: Tree Planting: How to Choose the Right Planting Site

6. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

“The pin oak pleases me for reasons I cannot wholly explain,” wrote nature writer Hal Borland in A Countryman’s Woods.

But homeowners and city foresters are pleased with this tree for very specific reasons: strong wood; dense shade; tolerance of many soil conditions, heat, soil compaction and air pollution; free from most major pests; pleasing to the eye in all seasons; and easy to plant. Needless to say, this faster-growing oak is a common sight in yards, along streets and throughout parks.

Zones 4-8

7. River Birch (Betula nigra)

As its name suggests, the river birch naturally grows along riverbanks. But as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U.S. The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs, and relative resistance to birch borer.

This tree also puts on a nice fall show, adding a splash of brilliant yellow fall color.

Zones 4-9

8. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

This is a tree that demands your attention. White, showy flowers. Giant heart-shaped leaves. Dangling bean-like seed pods. Twisting trunk and branches. How could you not stop to take it in? And with all of these unique features, the northern catalpa is popular with kids as well.

While not ideal for every location, this unique and hardy tree is a fast grower that finds a home in parks and yards throughout the country.

Zones 4-8

Read More: 5 Stunning Flowering Trees

9. American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

The American sweetgum — with its star-shaped leaves, neatly compact crown, interesting fruit, and twigs with unique corky growths called wings — is an attractive shade tree. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country.

If you’ve got the space and are looking to add some fall color, this tree is a sure bet. The glossy green leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the autumn.

Zones 5-9

10. Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

One can argue about whether the “tulips” are the outline of its leaves or its cup-shaped flowers. But both undoubtedly contributed to the fanciful name given to this tree by early settlers. And the tuliptree is still beloved for its beauty today, serving as the state tree of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. It is the tallest of the eastern hardwoods — and a rapid grower when conditions are right.

This is a stunning tree that grows quickly and doesn’t suffer from many pest problems.

Zones 4-9

11. Dawn Redwood (Salix babylonica)

An impressive tree by any standard, the dawn redwood is relatively carefree and fast-growing. Its fine, feathery leaves are certainly a standout feature, and even though this tree is deciduous, it produces rounded cones. The dawn redwood was long thought to be extinct — with evidence of its existence found among dinosaur fossils — until it was discovered alive and well in a rural, mountainous area of China. It is now grown worldwide.

Zones 5-8

Read More: Small Trees Can Provide Shade Too

12. Sun Valley Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Sun Valley’)

Wanting the quick-growing shade and fall beauty of a maple tree without the “helicopters”? Look no further. The sun valley maple offers brilliant red fall color and a symmetrical oval crown — but it won’t produce any seeds. This tree is also a low-maintenance choice that is easy to grow.

Zones 4-7

fast-growing shade treesShade trees

Best trees for shade: including fast-growing varieties

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Choose the best trees for shade to create a cool garden oasis, enrich the environment, and help future-proof your property against climate change.

It’s important to include areas of shade and full sun in your backyard. Not only does the right balance make for a more pleasant place to relax, but it allows for a greater diversity of plants and creates a better habitat for wildlife.

With changing climates, fast-growing trees also play an important role in providing shade for homes quickly, helping to reduce overheating. Yet, conversely they can minimize the impact of adverse weather conditions such as flooding. You can also underplant these trees with the best shade plants to bring interest and color to all parts of the garden

‘It’s not just what’s above ground with a tree that’s important – it’s what’s happening below ground,’ says Rebecca Bradley, founding principal at Florida-based Cādence landscape architecture practice. 

‘Trees are not just providing shade for the heat, they’re also absorbing water – helping get water back down into the ground and not running off into our waterways.’

However, planting trees for shade is not a quick solution. ‘Growing the best trees for shade is a long-term goal – I often call them trees for posterity,’ says Blythe Yost, CEO of online landscape design practice Tilly . 

‘It will take many years for shade trees to reach their full potential, but it is important for us to include them in our garden for the shade they provide today and the potential shade they will offer to others in years to come.’

(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)

The best trees for shade

‘In the garden – especially in yards where space is at a premium – trees that serve more than one function are terrific choices, especially when it comes to garden shade ideas,’ says Kip McConnell, director of Southern Living Plant Collection . 

'A well-chosen shade tree can also serve an important role in dividing gardens, creating outdoor rooms. For this purpose, look for varieties with dense foliage and vertical growth habits to get both shade and screening.’

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.

‘Seek out varieties that not only cast shade, but also provide spring flowers or bright fall colors,' adds McConnell. 'This maximizes the tree’s visual impact in your space and provides multi-season interest.'

However, when choosing the best trees for backyard shade, Bradley stresses the importance of choosing species that will thrive in your local environment. 

‘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. 'Ask yourself, what is it that nature needs?’

Check the USDA plant hardiness zone map to see whether a tree is likely to thrive in your area.

1. Oak trees

(Image credit: Tetra Images / Getty Images)

The mighty oak is one of the best trees for shade, and treasured by gardeners around the world.

‘Hands down, my favorite tree for shade is an oak,’ says Yost. ‘Although this is an extremely broad genus, there are shade-providing varieties that grow in most regions.  

'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.

Meanwhile, the live oak tree – Quercus virginiana – is a beloved tree in southern and central states, thriving in zones 7-10. 

‘The live oak can grow in a lot of different scenarios. 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. 'It's also a really hardy tree that and can weather big storms.'

The downside of most oak trees is that they are slow growing and will take many years to become established.

However, a faster-growing alternative is the northern red oak – Quercus rubra – which is suitable for zones 3-8. 

‘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 . 'It can tolerate drought, pollution, and compacted soil.

‘It also offers beautiful colors in the fall, from russet to bright red, and produces acorns that birds and animals love.’

2. Tuliptree

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A versatile tree that can grow in zones 4-9, the tuliptree – Liriodendron tulipifera – is named for its delightful tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom in the spring.

John Rogan, professor of geography at Clark University , favors the tuliptree as a shade provider due to its fast growth rate. ‘It can grow 2ft per year, reaching up to 90ft when established, with a canopy width as broad as 30-40ft. 

'It also lives for a long time, has a very attractive leaf shape, and the single-stem trunks produce straight and tall mature trees.'

In his work, Rogan has led studies into the impact trees have on land surface temperature, and believes they hold the key to reducing our home cooling costs in summer by as much as 20 per cent.

‘Shade trees are best planted on the west side of a house, where they can shade the property during the heat of the early afternoon,’ he says.

3. American mahogany

(Image credit: Blickwinkel / Alamy Stock Photo)

American mahogany – Swietenia mahagoni – is native to South Florida, where it is a popular shade tree, as well as islands in the Caribbean. It will grow successfully in zones 10 and 11, so follow the philosophy of right tree, right place.

‘Swietenia mahagoni is such a great shade tree for a tropical climate,’ says Bradley. ‘It is not invasive, and it is faster growing than many trees.’

This sturdy hardwood tree copes well with stormy weather and possesses fragrant clusters of flowers in the spring and summer. Its ultimate mature height is around 100ft.

4. Weeping willow

(Image credit: Andrea Kennard Photography / Getty Images)

Few 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.

They are also fast growing, at a rate of 3-4ft per year, offering a quick route to shade and privacy. The trees thrive in zones 6-8.

Sadly, weeping willows are not suitable for smaller yards, as their roots can cause damage to underground pipework. But if you have a large garden and can position them 50ft away from utilities, then they will make a charming addition.

They are also short lived compared to many slower-growing trees, lasting for only a few decades. 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. 

‘When the oaks are big enough to do the job, the willows can be removed when they become old and no longer appealing in your landscape.’

Weeping willows love water, so if you have a natural pond, then position a tree next to it to complete the romantic scene. 

5. Sugar maple

(Image credit: Adria Photography / Getty Images)

The sugar maple – Acer saccharum – is a popular tree for providing shade due to its dense canopy, and it is also one of the best trees for autumn color.  

‘A slower-growing Acer species with a growth rate of around a foot per year, the sugar maple tree can reach heights near 100ft at maturity, and has a large canopy,’ says Tammy Sons, owner of Tennessee Nursery . ‘I just love its vibrant fall foliage of golden hues.’

Sugar maples are hardy in zones 3-8 and grow best in well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil.

6. Red maple

(Image credit: Ed Reschke / Getty Images)

Another standout fall tree, the red maple – or Acer rubrum – is a moderately fast-growing species with a growth rate of 1-2ft per year. 

‘Its canopy reaches 30-45ft wide and it has a mature height near 60ft,’ says Sons. ‘The red maple tree also offers one of fall's favorite colors of foliage in deep red hues.’ 

‘For something different, try Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset' or 'Brandywine' – they are red maples but they don't have red foliage,’ adds Gian Moore, partner at Mellowpine .

The red maple grows in zones 3-9 and is tolerant of most soil types.

7. Dawn redwood

(Image credit: Tim Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo)

The dawn redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboides – is one of the best trees for shade in a hurry, growing in height by more than 2ft each year. 

It’s also a tree with a fascinating history, as prior to the mid 20th century it was considered extinct, and revealed through fossils to have existed alongside dinosaurs.

Luckily, the dawn redwood was rediscovered growing in China, and now, though not commonplace, grows in many countries around the world.

You can grow the dawn redwood in zones 5-8, and the great news is that it’s low-maintenance, requiring no pruning and with minimal susceptibility to problems or disease.

‘There are some interesting cultivars available of this deciduous conifer, such as 'Goldrush' which has yellow-green foliage,’ says Moore.

8. Gumbo limbo

(Image credit: Gabbro / Alamy Stock Photo)

A South Florida native, the gumbo limbo – Bersera simaruba – is a fast-growing shade tree that will thrive in zones 10 and 11.

‘It has a beautiful peeling trunk, so it’s often called the ‘tourist tree’ due to its sunburnt appearance, revealing a lighter color underneath the peel on the trunk,’ says Bradley.

‘It is an amazingly resilient tree that stands up to our hurricanes, so we often use it as a shade tree in our landscapes. 

‘It also roots very easily. I planted a seedling in my front yard and within 8-9 years it was a fully established shade tree.’

9. Eastern redbud

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘For a fast-growing shade tree, it's hard to beat the redbud – Cercis canadensis – with its beautiful pink flowers,’ says Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield . ‘I love to watch them bloom in spring and early summer, and their fall colors are stunning.’

The Eastern redbud grows to a height of 20–30ft, with a gloriously wide canopy spreading to 25–35ft when mature.

It grows in zones 4-9, and is seen widely throughout eastern states. Redbuds are tolerant of most soil types.

10. Green ash

(Image credit: Organica / Alamy Stock Photo)

The green, or red, ash – Fraxinus pennsylvanica – is a fantastically versatile shade tree, growing in zones 2-9 at a fast rate of more than 2ft per year, and providing a generous canopy to shelter beneath.

In the fall the leaves of green ash tree turn a glorious bright yellow, and it produces red-purple flowers in the spring. 

‘The ash is a good deciduous shade tree that grows well in a variety of climates,’ says Hyland. 

Though it can cope with most soil conditions, the green ash tree is increasingly susceptible to attack by the emerald ash borer, so check reports in your area.

11. American sweetgum

(Image credit: Anne Gilbert / Alamy Stock Photo)

Providing stunning fall color, in shades of yellow through purple, the American sweetgum – Liquidambar styraciflua – is also a fantastic shade-giving tree with a good canopy size.

‘Aside from its very attractive foliage in the fall, it’s moderately fast growing, at a rate of 1-2ft a year,’ says Rogan. ‘It lives for a long time and can grow as tall as 70ft.’

The American sweetgum will thrive in zones 5-9, but it does not like pollution and needs plenty of root space.

12. Pines

(Image credit: Danielle Swernofsky / EyeEm / Getty Images)

There are a number of different pine tree species that will create shade in your garden.

‘Pines provide terrific shade but take up lots of room, so you need to give them plenty of space. Alternatively, plant them closer than they prefer to other trees that need more space than they do – like oaks or maples,’ says Hyland.

Fast-growing pine trees are best for quick shade in large yards – try the loblolly pine (zones 6-9) or the eastern white pine (zones 3-8).

13. London planetree

(Image credit: Sergio Amiti / Getty Images)

A hybrid of the Oriental planetree and the American sycamore, the London planetree – Platanus x acerifolia –  is valued for its beautiful sycamore-like leaves and winter catkins.

Historically it was revered for its ability to withstand the pollution of England’s capital, which makes it a fantastic shade tree for urban settings in zones 5-9.

‘The London planetree is a very hardy tree featuring attractive bark with a broad canopy that grows up to a width of 60ft,’ says Rogan.

‘It can grow at a rate of 1-2ft per year, with a mature height of up to 100ft, and can live for a very long time – even hundreds of years.'

14. Catalpa tree

(Image credit: Masahiro Nakano/Getty Images)

Catalpa speciosa is a stunning native tree that has heart-shaped leaves and a generous canopy. In the summer, it produces white, orchid-like flowers.

‘The catalpa reaches heights of near 50 ft at maturity and is hardy in zones 3-8,’ says Sons. ‘This tree is so unique because the catalpa worms it produces in the summer months are highly sought after for fish bait. For this reason, it's often called "The Fisherman's Tree".'

What is the cleanest shade tree?

Some of the cleanest shade trees are maples. Though they shed their leaves in the fall, after turning stunning shades of red and gold, they do not drop flowers, seeds or fruits. This makes them easy to clean up after.

What is the fastest-growing shade tree?

The fastest-growing shade trees grow at a rate of around 2ft per year. This group includes the northern red oak, tuliptree, and dawn redwood.

However, speed isn't everything when it comes to providing shade. 'Usually you want a shade tree to be a strong tree – and those trees don’t always grow fast,' says Bradley.

'That’s why we need to protect established trees. When they are removed from our environment, and we lose our tree canopy, it can never immediately be replaced.'

As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.

8 trees that can grow in full shade. Names, descriptions, photos - Botanichka

Strongly shaded places are found in almost any landscape - whether it is the area on the north side of the house or, for example, under a massive oak tree in the far corner of the garden. Often there are also forested areas where large oaks, birches, pines or other tall trees grow. But even in such situations, you should not let the forest dominate the garden, because smaller trees with beautiful flowers and spectacular foliage can still be planted under them. This will just require breeds that can grow normally in the shade. Some species in heavily shaded conditions may not reach their optimal height and not show abundant flowering or fruiting, but at least they will not wither and die there.

8 trees that can grow in full shade

"Shadow" is a relative concept

First, let's look at what levels of illumination exist from the point of view of plant cultivation. The terms that are used to describe the sunlight requirements of a particular crop quickly become familiar to anyone who works with plants, as they are usually listed on the label that comes with the seedling.

They include:

Full sun . For a place to be considered fully sunny, the plant placed on it must receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day, with maximum illumination between 10 am and 4 pm.

Full sun to partial shade . This suggests that the plant can withstand a wider range of conditions. And it will be able to grow both in full sun and in partial shading (see next paragraph).

Partial shade/partial sun/partial shade . These terms are used interchangeably to refer to the need for four to six hours of sun exposure daily. It is preferable that the most intense lighting was in the cooler morning hours.

Mottled shade . Dappled sunlight is similar to partial shade, such lighting is obtained when sunlight penetrates through the branches and foliage of deciduous trees.

Full shadow . This term does not mean that there is no sun at all in such places, because very few plants can tolerate a truly complete absence of sunlight. And plants that can grow in full shade are those that can survive four hours in full sunlight (mostly in the morning or late afternoon). Full shade is also called the conditions when the plant stays during the day in spots of sunlight, that is, diffused sunlight.

Important! Thus, when choosing a plant for shady conditions, it should be understood that the term "full shade" does not mean the absolute absence of light (in such conditions, only mushrooms can grow). This only indicates the need for minimal lighting, which the plant will be content with to maintain its vital functions.

Not all trees suitable for shady areas have the same light requirements. And each tree species has its own range of shade tolerance. Also, remember that not all shade-tolerant trees are truly shade-loving trees. Many breeds simply have the ability to survive in the shade, but may lose some of their decorative features.

For example, individual trees that bloom profusely in the sun may produce much fewer flowers in the shade. And deciduous trees, which when grown in the sun show a very bright decorative autumn color, in the shade in autumn, can give out faded, inconspicuous shades of foliage.

1. Sugar maple

Sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ) is best known for its fall color as its foliage turns bright scarlet in autumn. This type of maple is also considered the best tree for extracting the juice used to make maple syrup. This is a beautiful tree for landscape design, in the summer it has carved bright green leaves with a palmately dissected shape. Other species names - stone maple and hard maple . It is used in urban landscaping, as well as in large gardens, as it grows quite tall.

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum). © F. D. Richards

2. Eastern Hemlock

Eastern Hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis ) is one of the few evergreen trees that can tolerate shade. It is a decorative, moisture-loving species that can tolerate lower light levels during the day. Eastern hemlock may have several trunks, gray shoots. The needles are arranged in two rows, they are dark green, the reverse side has silver lines. From a distance, hemlock branches look like spruce branches, but their needles are not at all sharp. Cones are small, no more than 2 - 3 cm.

Species plants are full-fledged trees, while numerous varieties grow as low shrubs of various habits, including creeping forms. Hemp grows slowly. In nature, individual specimens live up to 1000 years.

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). © F. D. Richards

3. Japanese yew

Japanese yew ( Taxus cuspidata ) is another shade-tolerant evergreen tree. In fact, it is one of the best evergreens for full shade. The plant is native to China, Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East. This conifer tolerates very dry and shady conditions well. It usually grows as a spreading tree or tall shrub. The needles are dark green, flat, non-thorny.

There are many varieties and hybrids of yew. Female specimens have unusual bumps that look like bright red berries. Care should be taken as the plant is poisonous.

Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata). © Texas Tech University Departments

See also our article 5 Unusual Midland Conifers.

4. Alternifolia derain

Alternifolia derain, or pagoda ( Cornus alternifolia ) is a deciduous sprawling tree or large shrub with multi-tiered branches, wide conical shape. The plant looks very elegant due to the pronounced tiering, and the lower tier of its shoots hangs down to the very ground. Clusters of tiny, star-shaped, creamy-white flowers appear on the tree in spring, followed by small, round, blue-black fruits. Flowering is more abundant with a lot of sun, but still deren is one of the possibilities for decorating heavily shaded places. There are also varietal forms with variegated leaves.

Alternifolia derain, or pagoda (Cornus alternifolia. © Judy

5. Black alder

Black alder ( Alnus glutinosa ) is a fast-growing, moisture-loving deciduous tree that is easily adapted to various growing conditions, native to Europe. They are pyramidal in shape and can tolerate heavily waterlogged soils but will also tolerate somewhat dry conditions.0003

Alder has beautiful glossy leaves and rather decorative knobs and wattles. The smooth gray bark of these plants is especially attractive in winter, when it stands out against the background of snow. Black alder is able to absorb nitrogen from the air and increase soil fertility through root nodules. Alder trees are also valuable in landscape restoration projects where the soil is severely depleted. Black alder has decorative forms of short stature.

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa). © pracbrown

6. Acetic sumac

Plain sumac ( Rhus glabra ) and Stag sumac ( R. typhina ) are the most common and accessible landscape species of this plant. Both of them grow up to 3 - 5 meters in height and grow in the form of a large shrub or small tree. Sumac is also well known for its striking bright red foliage in autumn.

The species can be distinguished by the fact that the branches of the stag sumac have a fluffy surface. Most gardeners grow sumac for its colorful fall decoration. Sumac has beautiful feathery leaves up to 50 cm long, which turn bright red in autumn (there are also yellow and orange varieties of sumac). Additional decoration - panicles of red fruits. The plants are drought tolerant but grow taller with regular watering in the absence of rain.

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra). © David Charlton

See also our article Sumac is a showy and vibrant vinegar tree.

7. Western thuja

Western thuja ( Thuja occidentalis ) is an evergreen that adds elegance to your garden all year round. Differs in flat, spreading, horizontal "paws" and fragrant dark green needles. The crown of the thuja is conical and consists of short spreading branches. Tall varieties have a dense columnar habit. However, it should be borne in mind that with strong shading, the thuja will have a looser crown, but this shortcoming can be partially corrected by a haircut.

Thuja occidentalis is most often used as an accent plant, but is also popular for making hedges. There are numerous varieties of thuja with decorative needles (most often golden), however, this quality of the variety will be manifested only in full sun. In this regard, for partial shade it is more expedient to choose varieties with green needles.

Western thuja (Thuja occidentalis). © The New York Botanical

8.

Korean Fir

Korean Fir ( Abies Koreana ) is a compact evergreen coniferous tree with a conical or pyramidal crown shape and well-defined tiered branches. The branches are densely covered with short, but wide, non-thorny needles. From above, the needles are shiny, dark green in color, and from below - silvery. Korean fir comes into fruiting early. Cones are very beautiful purple color (up to 7 cm long). Unlike spruces, cones on fir branches do not hang, but grow vertically.

There are many varieties of Korean fir, including dwarf ones, and plants with yellow or silver needles (“inside out”).

Korean fir (Abies Koreana)

Read also our article Hem is not a spruce, not a fir, but something special.

Dear readers! Shade gardens are an equally fun way to get creative with your landscaping. Fortunately, most shade-tolerant breeds are easy to grow. And under the trees, you can place perennial plants with low lighting requirements, such as hostas, astilbes, buzulnik, bergenia, kupena, hoofed hoof, and others.

All about shade-loving fruit trees and shrubs: which trees like shade

Contents:

Even the most well-organized garden plot has areas where shade is formed most of the day - a place near the fence of the cottage, an area under a sprawling tree, behind the house. These areas are considered by many to be unsuitable for growing fruit trees and shrubs. And in vain: there are many plants that themselves do not like a long and bright sun. There are also those that, with proper care, can tolerate some shading.

It's time to figure out how to correctly select shade-loving fruit trees and shrubs for the garden. How to use every meter of a summer cottage or garden plot wisely.

Shade-tolerant and shade-loving - what are their differences

We will talk about fruit trees and shrubs that grow well and bear fruit in the shade. Theoretically, any plant can be placed in the shade - it will be able to survive. But not everyone will be able to get a good and plentiful harvest. After all, plants, like people, are different: someone can sunbathe in the sun, and someone over the edge has enough sunburn in the shade of trees.

Fruit trees and shrubs in the shade

Before choosing which fruit trees and shrubs can be planted in the shade, it is recommended to find out which ones are shade-loving and which are shade-tolerant.

Shade-tolerant cultures are called scioheliophytes, and shade-loving ones are sciophytes. There are far fewer of the latter in nature than those who love the sun or are considered shade-tolerant.

Many gardeners mistakenly believe that their plot is of little use for growing a good garden, because it contains many “dead” places in terms of illumination. In fact, there is usually not so much of a true and deep shadow. In the worst case, there is an area where no light beam hits at all. Such, for example, may be a path, bounded on one side by a fence, and on the other by a wall of a summer house. This is really the most unfortunate place for planting, but if there is no other way, then it can also be used sensibly by planting, say, tall cherries or cherry plums there. Eventually they will grow up and start reaching for the sun.

Podbielskaya cherry (tall)

Special literature defines penumbra as the presence of direct sun rays for three hours in the mornings and evenings, when in the middle of the day the site is without direct sunlight. Or when the area is well lit all day, but the direct sun does not fall on it.

Note. Shade is when only three hours of the day the area is lit, and the rest of the time the illumination is very limited.

There is also the concept of rarefied shadow — the sun gradually penetrates here constantly, but only through the foliage of trees. All this can be attributed to the category of shaded places. In principle, plants can grow anywhere, it is important to choose where and which one. Without taking into account the characteristics of a particular plant (its shade tolerance), without creating conditions for its development, you can get the following sad results:

As a result, the young tree is damaged by frost and suffers. And a fruit seedling that has fallen into a strong shadow in the first years of life will completely wither away.

To avoid all this, you should carefully study which plants can and should not be planted in places that are not too bright.

Which fruit trees love shade

Moisture-loving fruit trees and shrubs for summer cottages

Most fruit trees are photophilous. However, there are those who feel quite normal in the shadows.

Let's call them:

Which shrubs can be planted in the shade in the garden

The choice of shade-tolerant shrubs is more diverse than that of fruit trees. However, it is impossible to leave them completely without lighting. So, with excessive shading, a culture such as raspberries weakens. As for the currant, which is traditionally planted in the most inconvenient places, the red currant tolerates shading worse than the black currant. At the same time, when planting a red currant variety, one should take into account that good overhead lighting is a must, but it can cope better with the lack of side light.

When and how to spray fruit trees and shrubs in spring

The following perennial bushes can be planted in shady places in the country house:

Important! Not all of them are equally easy to take root in a serious shadow. Most allow shading, but do not tolerate a deep lack of sun.

Therefore, they do not need to be specially shaded. These fruits and berries do not exactly adore the shadow, but are ready to endure it. And berry bushes with sweet fruits, in any case, ripen well only with sufficient lighting.

Barberry

You can be guided by how closely the chosen shrub resembles its wild, forest comrades. It is the garden plants characteristic of forest communities that grow easier than others and bear fruit well in shade conditions. An example would be blackberries, alpine currants, varieties of barberry, viburnum. Irga, blue honeysuckle shows itself well - all those plants that in nature are accustomed to live and develop in the lowest tier of the forest. And the best representative in terms of endurance is chokeberry, aka chokeberry, and hazel.

How to grow trees and shrubs in the shade

Plants that can survive and bear fruit in the shade are fighters in their own right. They are ready to withstand stress and not the most convenient growing conditions. But if the raspberries planted along the north side of the house are able to bestow large enough and juicy berries, then you cannot say the same about some others.

When can fruit trees be sprayed against pests? Therefore, if necessary, it can be planted in shaded areas, it will cope. However, currants, like a number of other shade-tolerant plants, will have to be helped.

Note. That life in the shade is a constant struggle for light, warmth, for existence. And in this struggle, the plant may even die.

What affects the survival of plants in the shade?

  1. First of all, they should not suffer from lack of moisture. Like other plants, shade-loving ones require the right amount of water, the soil should not be allowed to dry out, which can happen in the heat even from the northern shady side of the house. Moisture is especially needed in late spring, with the onset of hot weather.
  2. All shade plants must be fertilized. They are very dependent on top dressing. Many seek to feed plantings with nitrogen fertilizers. This is where moderation and accuracy are needed: with a lack of sunlight, nitrogen must be given carefully, without an overabundance. Otherwise, there is a danger that the plant will stretch or be thickened.

Many beginner gardeners wonder what the soil should be like before planting a shade plant? Naturally, in this case, the plants are even more demanding on the composition of the soil than under normal conditions. Therefore, when planting even such a completely unpretentious shrub as an ordinary garden viburnum, you need to see what kind of soil suits it best. In this case, viburnum needs a slightly acidic environment or neutral soil. At the same time, on poor, infertile soil or on peat soil, it will grow poorly and will not bloom.

Garden viburnum

Important! Before planting any plant or tree in the shade, soil compatibility must be checked. In shade conditions, the wrong choice can become an aggravating factor, leading to the death of the plant.

When planting, prepare the soil in advance. A feature of most plants that can grow in the shade is the abundance of surface roots. This means that the soil should not be heavy. On the contrary, the looser, lighter, more airy the top layer of the earth, the easier it will be for the plant to take root, the easier it will be for it to live in such difficult conditions. Loose soil will provide the surface roots of plants with better moisture absorption.

Please note! At the same time, it is completely unacceptable for shady soil to be constantly waterlogged. High humidity, and also combined with plant thickening or overly compacted planting, can lead to diseases. Thus, both of these factors - the abundance of water and the thickening of plantings - very often provoke the occurrence of garden diseases and pest damage.

As can be concluded from this article, one should not worry and be upset, considering that there are few open sunny places in the summer cottage.

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