Benefits Of Shade Trees

Not only do shade trees look great in your garden with their broad canopy of luscious green leaves, but they also serve a purpose.

There is nothing quite like enjoying the shade of a large tree in your yard during the summer months to escape from the heat and enjoy the outdoors. The shade provided by shade trees can be a great spot to hunker down with a good book, set up your hammock for an afternoon nap, or watch the kids play with the family dog.

Indeed, shade given by trees is one of the only ways you can expect to have a nice shady spot in your yard. With their wide reaching branches and thick foliage, you can wander under the shade of a big tree for instant respite from the afternoon sun. The shade from trees near your house can even help to keep your home cooler during the hottest parts of the day.

Why Shade Trees Are Important

Simply put, shade trees on your property help to keep you and your family cool. Shade trees take the full brunt of the sun, absorbing some of its radiant heat. This reduces the ambient temperature underneath their canopies. On a hot summer day the temperature under a shade tree might be as much as 25 degrees cooler than an area that is in direct sunlight. 

This benefit can not only keep you cool when you are enjoying the outdoors, but it can keep your home cool as well. According to the arbor day foundation, strategically planting shade trees can reduce your air conditioning bill by as much as 35%. That’s a benefit you will definitely want to take advantage of!

The best way to benefit from shade given by shade trees and reduce your monthly utility bill is to plant trees on the west side of your house. This will block the late afternoon when the temperatures are at their highest. Planting shade trees on the east and south side of your home can also help to cast shade on your house during the early morning and mid afternoon.

How To Take Care Of Your Shade Trees

Of course, if you really want to take advantage of all the benefits a nice shade tree can offer, you need to look after them. Trees are pretty easy to take care of and manage pretty well by themselves, but a little bit of love from time to time can go a long way in keeping them healthy.

Here are a few tips you can use to keep your shade trees strong and healthy:

  • Give Them What They Need: Make sure that your trees are getting enough water and nutrients. Be sure to water deeply during droughts or heat waves. Use fertilizer occasionally to replenish nutrients in the soil in order to give trees the food they need.
  • Do Occasional Inspections: Inspect your trees for signs of disease or pest infestations. Be on the lookout for branches that are dead or dying and holes or pits in the trunk or bark.
  • Check The Leaves: Most tree ailments can be treated effectively if they are caught early in the disease process. Lookout for any irregularities in the leaves or bark.
  • Call A Professional: Calling in a professional arborist for a yearly checkup can help you identify and potential issues and remedy them quickly. If you suspect any issues with your shade trees, don’t be afraid to call a professional right away.