Planting Trees for Comforting Shade and Secluded Shelter
In the quest for enhancing the beauty and functionality of your garden, the right tree can make all the difference. Here's a rundown of some popular options, each with its unique characteristics and benefits.
Ginkgo Trees
With their fan-shaped, yellow leaves that light up the autumn landscape, Ginkgo trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide, providing a generous canopy for shade. However, male trees are recommended as they avoid the messy, stinky fruit produced by female trees.
Leyland Cypress
The Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen, reaching 50 feet in just 15 years. It's suitable for creating a dense barrier, particularly when planted in a row. This tree was first cultivated in the late 19th century in the United Kingdom.
Evergreen Options
Green Giant Arborvitae, introduced in the mid-20th century, is a low-maintenance, fast-growing tree with dense foliage and a pyramidal shape. Ideal for a windbreak and privacy hedge, it can reach up to 50 to 60 feet tall.
The Emerald Green Arborvitae, cultivated since the early 20th century, is another evergreen option. Suitable for smaller landscapes, it reaches a height of 8 to 12 feet with a narrow spread of about 3 to 4 feet.
Fast-Growing Varieties
The Nellie Stevens Holly, first hybridized in the early 20th century, is a fast-growing variety that reaches heights of 15-25 feet with a spread of 8-15 feet, making it suitable for privacy and attracting birds.
Spartan Juniper, dating back to the early 20th century, is another fast-grower with a pyramidal shape and dense foliage, growing up to 20 feet tall, making it an excellent privacy screen or windbreak.
Cold-Tolerant and Drought-Resistant Trees
The Oak Leaf Holly Tree, a cold-tolerant, drought-resistant tree, thrives in temperatures as low as 0 degrees. It's a dense, versatile tree that can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
Trees for Shade
Maple trees, with various vibrant varieties, provide a broad canopy of shade and can grow up to 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. They are adaptable to different soil types and can be shaped using loppers when young.
Trees for Colour and Privacy
Bamboo, an evergreen option for a privacy screen or hedge, offers year-round privacy and various species such as Seabreeze Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo, Blue Chungii, and Multiplex Bamboo. These species, mostly introduced and cultivated in the late 20th to early 21st centuries, add a vibrant pop of colour to the backyard, growing up to 30 feet tall without spreading into neighbouring yards.
Tall and Majestic Trees
Tulip trees, known for their orangy-yellow tulip-like flowers, uniquely shaped waxy green leaves, and ability to reach up to 100 feet tall, are fast-growing trees that prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
Oak trees, with numerous species, provide dense shade and can reach up to 80 feet tall and wide. They attract birds and wildlife and are suitable for yards of different sizes.
When selecting a tree for shade or privacy, consider factors such as growth rate, mature size, and whether it's evergreen. With the right tree in your garden, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits it brings for years to come.
