Shade Trees

Silver Weeping Birch Tree

Trees provide us with delicious fruits and vegetables to satisfy our daily hunger, and give us the wood we use to create thousands upon thousands of products every day. But aside from the obvious, many trees provide us with something we use on a daily basis (without needing to chop them to pieces). During hot and sunny days trees provide us with valuable shade, which protects us from the blistering heat of the sun, and they do so freely. Everyone loves to sit in tree shade on hot days because they enjoy the soothing feeling it gives them. Not every tree is best for protection from the sun, but those which are can be categorized as shade trees.

Trees which are grown for the sole purpose of providing shade are referred to as shade trees, and are often easily recognizable. These trees are generally large with spreading canopies and can be very effective in reducing the energy required to keep your homes cool in the spring and summer. Oaks, maples, linen, ashes and elm are some of the most popular shade trees, but there are many other varieties that can be altered in their growth to become a shade tree.

If you would like a fast growing shade tree for your home for any reason, then river birches, Leyland cypress trees, tulip trees, and crepe myrtle trees are worth considering, and Sawtooth oak is often considered to be the fastest growing shade tree.  However, the faster these trees grow, the weaker the wood of the tree will become. Also, these trees are more susceptible to attacks by insects or diseases and storm damage, so these trees may not be in your best interest if you can afford to wait for a tree which takes longer to grow.

These trees can also enhance privacy of your garden by blocking the view from passerby's, which is a plus for those of you who aren't too fond of people spying on you and your garden. Also, be aware that planting these trees (or any tree for that matter) near chimneys is not a good idea, as branches of trees can be ignited by flying spark from chimneys.

There are numerous benefits of planting shade trees in your garden or yard. It adds beauty to your home and increases the value of your property. It has the ability to drop summer temperatures by 10 degrees under their canopies. Reflection of heat from paved areas is reduced considerably by these shade rendering trees. Depending on which shade tree you choose, your shade tree may also provide leaves for the compost bin and prevent soil erosion. The major advantage of shade trees is how it tends to reduce electricity usage and energy costs by up to 25 percent. The best shade tree is one which provides all the benefits listed above, and fits best with your home.

While planting shade trees you need to keep three major things in mind for the best results. Firstly, ensure that the one you choose is suitable for your area (You don't want a tree that looks ridiculous on your property). Selecting the right tree according to your region not only provides you the satisfaction of having a proper looking tree in your yard but also reduces maintenance concerns and costs. Secondly, plant them carefully and correctly. If planted in suitable soil and in the right climate, your tree will grow very quickly. Go through a planting demonstration before doing it yourself. Lastly, make sure to get a healthy and strong shade tree, take very good care of it when it is young until it gets established. Water, stake, fertilize and prune your shade trees properly, and you'll be certain to have a healthy and long-lasting tree for years to come.   

For more interesting information on trees, check out TreeSpeak101.com