I’m sure we don’t have to tell you that shade trees are an important part of your landscape. The summer months can be almost unbearable outside but a shade tree can turn a hot backyard into a cool oasis.
Shade trees have many benefits for your yard and home. They not only provide shade, but they will also help cool your home and yard through transpiration. Transpiration is when trees sweat. In one study, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the cooling effect of one young healthy tree can be the equivalent of 10 room-size air conditioners running for 20 hours a day. Imagine what kind of impact you could make on your cooling bill!
There are several factors to think of when looking into the right kind of tree for your yard.
- How much space do you have? If you only have a 5-foot empty area in your backyard you’re not going to want to purchase a giant tree. They will interfere with your other plants and could possibly do damage to your home/driveway or sidewalk. Our experts know the full growth potential of all of our trees and they can help you find which one will be best suited for your space.
- Is the tree indigenous to Utah? There are many beautiful trees out there but not all of them will work in our climate. A tree should be a purchase that lasts for years and if you get one that isn’t used to our dry climate you could end up with a stunted tree or your other plants could be “choked out” of water because the new trees watering needs are greater than your yard can afford.
- North/South/East/West – You want to plant your trees where they will make the most impact on your yard and house. It’s important to remember that the sun “moves through the sky” and depending on the season will hit your home at different angles. Our hottest months are July – September and it would be best if you used the full potential of your tree’s shade during those months. Glover Nursery experts can come and plant the tree in the correct spot in your yard or you can plant one yourself with our recommendations. The best rule of thumb to keep in mind is to plant your trees in the Southeast, West, and Southwest of your home.
- Use combinations – trees, just like people, can share diseases. Planting all Japanese maples, while pretty, could leave your trees susceptible to disease. It’s best to use a variety of trees in your planting. Different varieties and also different sizes of trees will help you make the most of your shade cover.
The expert staff at Glover Nursery can help pick out the perfect shade tree for your home. We have so many great trees in stock to use for shade. A few of our favorites are:
- Pacific Sunset Maple
- Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree
- Green Vase Zelkova
- Bloodgood Sycamore (Londonplane Tree)
We’ve got one final tip for keeping your house and yard cool. Plant a shrub near your AC unit. The shade and transpiration from the shrub can help cool your AC unit which means your AC unit won’t have to work as hard to cool your house. Pretty neat!
Happy planting!
