With the increased cost of energy, it is time to consider using shade trees to keep your home cool in the summer. Trees are also very useful in keeping patio and play areas cool. Avoid over shading- don't locate a tree to cast shade where shade isn't wanted such as on the garden or clothesline.

The most important shade tree on your home grounds is usually located to the west of the area to be shaded. If you place it properly it will shade your home or patio during the hottest part of the day.

Small shade trees, such as flowering crabs, hawthorns and Canada red cherry, should be planted at least 10 feet from your home or the area to be shaded; medium sized fruit trees, such as the birch, mountain ash and littleleaf lindens should be planted 15-20 feet from your home or the area to be shaded. If you want to use one of the large shade trees, such as ash, maple, basswood or bur oak, they should be at the very least, 20 feet from your home.

When selecting shade trees for your yard, you should consider your home size and type. The medium and small shade trees tend to be more in scale with the single story home. Whereas the larger shade trees look better with two-story homes.

Be careful not to plant your shade trees in a spot where their roots will disturb structural features such as sewers, drain fields, septic tanks, foundations, etc. If you make this mistake, you'll have many years of trouble ahead. Tree roots will grow into these moist areas and eventually cause problems.

Utility lines are another factor to consider. If you must plant near or under these lines, select a small tree or trees, which won't grow into the lines. Large trees which are planted under the lines and pruned back every few years are usually quite unattractive.

This page was last updated April 2003

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