Pine Trees That Tolerate Shade

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Evergreen conifers provide year-round greenery and tolerate shady conditions.

Shade-tolerant pine or evergreen conifers survive better under shade than their shade-intolerant counterparts. While all trees try to absorb as much sunlight as they can, the secret to the survival of shade tolerant species lies in their ability to grow slowly under shady conditions and speed up once they acquire more sunlight. Shade-tolerant evergreens continue to provide some greenery after deciduous trees lose their foliage and enter winter dormancy.

Advertisement

Cypress

Video of the Day

The Golden Thread-Leaf Cypress thrives in partial shade in moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil. This tree is bright yellow in summer and golden in the winter. Allow for a 25-foot height and a 20-foot spread at maturity.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Yew

The yew can be trimmed into hedge form.

The Common Yew grows well in dry, shady areas in any soil from acid to alkaline in nature. The yew can reach a 50-foot height at maturity, with a 33-foot spread, but can be kept smaller with regular pruning. Yews have a dark green feathery foliage that can be trimmed to form hedges and pleasing shapes.

Advertisement

Hemlock

The hemlock provides greenery during long Canadian winters.

The Canadian Hemlock grows best in moist, well-drained soils and dislikes hot, dry conditions. The hemlock grows to a 40- to 50-foot height with a 30-foot spread. The hemlock is a stately tree with wispy, pleasing foliage.

Advertisement

references