One of the best parts of growing a tree on your property is enjoying the shade its green foliage provides. In fact, if you plant it in the right spot, your shade tree can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, greatly reducing your utility bills.
Unfortunately, shade trees can grow to be at least 50 feet tall, which can create issues if you have limited space. Not all hope is lost, though. Thanks to short shade trees, you can still reap the benefits this type of tree offers.
In this article, we’ll give you guidance on some of the best types of shade trees to plant and offer tips that will help you get the most out of your small tree.
What Are Shade Trees?
A shade tree is a large tree with a dense, widespread canopy. Though most shade trees grow to be 50 feet tall, homeowners can choose smaller options that mature at around 25 feet.
Types of Short Shade Trees You Should Consider Planting
Knowing which short shade tree to plant can be quite daunting. Fortunately, we can help. Below, we list some short shade trees we feel would make the perfect addition to your landscape.
Amur Maackia
The Amur Maackia is a short shade tree that will serve you well. The tree has an attractive branch form, with its green leaves casting a nice, dappled shade. In addition, it produces white flowers in early summer that smell like freshly mown grass.
Hedge Maple
Topping off at a modest 20 feet, the hedge maple makes a great choice for a small shade tree. This pollution-tolerant tree can tolerate compact soils and thrives in full sun and partial shade.
The best part is, with a bit of work from tree trimming experts in Santa Rosa, you can create the perfect hedge for your home.
American Hornbeam
You will certainly fall in love with the rounded, medium-sized canopy this tree forms. If that won’t do it, the green leaves that turn yellow and bright red in fall surely will.
Planting Tips
Your shade tree’s success depends on where and how you plant it. You should pick a spot that will allow your tree to spread out unimpeded. After all, the last thing you want is your tree damaging your house or impinging on power lines.
Also, since your tree’s roots spread outward, dig a wide, shallow hole when planting. Ideally, you should have the tree’s root collar sitting one to three inches above the soil.
Professional Tree Services in Santa Rosa, CA
Due to their height and how wide their canopies can get, planting and caring for shade trees will need the delicate touch of a certified arborist.
At Empire Tree Experts, we provide the best tree care services, ensuring your short shade trees stay in the best condition. From planting to saving a stressed tree, you can count on our expertise and years of experience.
Call Empire Tree Experts today at (707) 521-2151 to learn about our services and request your free estimate.