Introduction
When you add greenery to your property, you mustn’t do it just for the looks. Instead, opt for trees that are beautiful and provide you ample shade as well. However, planning everything and growing those trees in your property can be a daunting task for amateurs. That’s why most people prefer to leave it to the professionals by searching for “tree service near me”. If you’re up for a challenge, let’s check out some trees that will provide your yard with plenty of shade:
The Trees
- Ginkgo – Ginkgo is a very unique tree since it doesn’t have a lot of close relatives and you’ll find it mostly in botanical gardens instead of your neighborhood’s backyard. They used to dominate this part of the globe hundreds of millions of years ago but have come close to extinction in recent years. The tree is very hardy and can be grown in US zones 4 through 9. While the growth is slow, they can reach as high as 100 feet and a single tree will provide you enough shade to cover moderately sized yards. Here’s how you can grow them:
- It’s important to note that you should avoid growing female ginkgo trees since they produce fruits that can make your yard smell like rotten food or vomit. With that out of the way, the first thing you need to do is check the site before you plant the tree. You need to consider its estimated height and canopy spread at full maturity so that it doesn’t become an obstacle for power or communication lines. It can reach as high as 100 feet and spread a canopy that’s around 50 feet wide.
- Next comes the soil. Ginkgo trees can grow in most types of soil but thrive in well-draining sandy soil. After digging a hole for the tree, fill it up with a two-inch layer of compost. As the tree grows, you need to make sure that the soil is moist for the first five years of growth and the tree should get full sun at all times.
- You can also choose to grow Ginkgo trees in containers. Get a large container with enough drainage holes and while repotting the plant choose a container twice the size of the original container to accommodate the growing roots. When growing in containers, you also need to water the tree and can’t stop even after the active growth period of the first five years.
- Northern Catalpa – This tree has the potential to become the most high-maintenance tree in your yard. However, your efforts will be rewarded. It has many unique features, from giant heart-shaped leaves to elegant snowy flowers. Even the branches and the trunk grow in a twisted shape and the seeds dangle in the form of bean-like pods. While it will demand the most care, it will also become the most favorite tree for both kids and adults in your family. It is suited for growing in US hardiness zones 4 to 8 and has a large canopy size to keep your yard cool. Let’s figure out how you can grow them in your property:
- While the Northern catalpa tree can be considered hardy, it is sensitive to pollution. So, if you live inside or near an urban center, you should avoid planting this tree. After you choose the site for planting the tree, you need to dig up a hole for the tree and fertilize the soil unless you have rich and loamy soil. If you have other types of soil, you need to apply the fertilizer a few weeks after planting and continue to do so after each spring while the tree is young and growing.
- Fortunately, this tree can grow in both full sun and partial shade and thrives if it gets six hours of direct sunlight every day. When it comes to moisture, you should water the tree with reservation. Water only when the soil turns dry and reduce watering frequency once it matures.
- When it comes to maintenance, you need to occasionally prune the damaged and broken branches and manage deadwood responsibly. Severe storms can be very hazardous for the brittle branches and that’s why it’s best to remove them if there is any sign of weakness, disease, or damage.
- Pin Oak – The Pin Oak tree is a favorite among homeowners and city planners due to very specific reasons. It provides you with dense and broad shade and can tolerate even some of the harshest climate conditions. Whether it’s extreme heat or city pollution, this tree can handle it all. You can also invite a lot of wildlife to your property with this tree. Acorns produced by this tree are nourishment for wild turkeys, deer, squirrels, and many songbirds. Let’s check out how you can grow them:
- When it comes to soil conditions, this tree can adapt to almost all kinds of varieties. From clayey and loamy soil to rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It can handle it all without a problem. While the tree doesn’t need any fertilizer, you can add some compost while planting the tree and dress the top with compost every spring around the drip line.
- Before you plant the tree accounts for the estimated height of 70 feet and spread of 40 feet. Fortunately, it’s a fast-growing tree that can add more than two feet to its height every year. So, you can expect to relax in the dense shade within a few years and bask in all its glory within a few decades.
- The tree thrives in full sun. Make sure that it gets six hours of direct sunlight every day so that it can grow quickly. When it comes to watering the plant, keeping the soil moist should be enough.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned trees would provide you with ample shade while also making your property look gorgeous. Growing them requires proper planning, patience, time, and care. If growing them seems too overwhelming, you can outsource the task to pros by searching for “tree service near me”
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