Backyard Shade Solutions

Shade trees help create an ideal outdoor area on hot summer days.

Creating shade in the backyard provides many benefits, such as increasing the usability of your yard during hot summer days by allowing certain shade plants to thrive. There are several ways to create a shady landscape, depending on your goals.

Shelters and Furniture

Many backyards include a table with an umbrella on the patio. Umbrellas with jointed stands allow proper positioning to ensure a shady area at any time of day. This provides the perfect solution for homeowners wanting a small shady area in which to relax or entertain guests. Pergolas, while providing little shade themselves, serve as ideal climbing structures for plants such as ivy. Consider shade sails or awnings for a similar but instant shading effect.

Trees

Shade trees such as sycamores, maples and oaks provide natural shade. Fast-growing shade trees include the silver maple and weeping willow. Fast-growing trees offer a mature, shaded landscape in less time but come with problems, including easily broken limbs and a short lifespan.

Tips

Plant shade trees that fit the planned planting area. This reduces the need for extensive pruning and training. It also reduces the risk of insect or disease problems as a result of inappropriate growing conditions. Consider planting fruit trees for shade in small areas and enjoy some tasty treats from your shaded backyard.

References

• Elle Decor: Create Backyard Shade; Lisa Liebman
• University of Missouri Extension: Selecting Landscape Plants: Shade Trees
• University of Tennessee Extension: Fast-Growing Trees; Wayne K. Clatterbuck
• "Popular Mechanics": How to Build a Backyard Pergola: Simple DIY Woodworking Project; Rick Peters; July 2006

Resources

• Fine Gardening: Creating a Private Haven; Hermann Weis