Shade tree

A shade tree is a large tree whose primary role is to provide shade in the surrounding environment due to its spreading canopy and crown, where it may give shelter from sunlight in the heat of the summer for people who seek recreational needs in urban parks and house yards, and thus, also protecting them from the sun's harmful UV rays and sunburns. Therefore, some shade trees may be grown specifically for the comfort of the population due to their convenient shelter.

Not to be confused with List of tree species by shade tolerance.
A group of Laysan albatrosses resting beneath the canopy of a fig, a common shade tree in many parts of the world.

Furthermore, shade trees are also effective in reducing the energy used in cooling homes.[1]

Native across Europe and into Western Asia, the Norway maple was introduced to North America in the mid-1700s as a shade tree, where it has since become naturalised.

Some of the most popular shade trees in temperate countries are oaks, plane trees, willows, birches, beeches, maples, ashes, lindens, and elms. In subtropical countries like Australia and India, figs are popular choices as shade trees.[2] In tropical countries, trees such as some Erythrina and African tulip tree species are often planted as shade trees.[3]

Species

These trees are commonly grown, and/or used, as shade trees due to their protuberant size:[4][5][6]

Paperbark trees have a large canopy, supplying adequate shade.
Oaks are popular shade trees.
A shade-providing elm tree
The twisting habit of angophoras provide good shade.

Planting

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a shade tree: deciduousness, coverage, longevity, and the ability of the roots to damage foundations. Shade trees can enhance the privacy of a garden, patio, or back yard, by obstructing the view of outsiders. A disadvantage is that in cool climates, an abundance of shade trees may lead to a dank environment in any nearby buildings or gardens. Shade trees must not be planted near chimneys as flying fire sparks can ignite tree branches which could cause rapidly expanding fires.[5]

Planting shade trees around a home can also reduce the energy that homeowners use in the summer months. Planting shade trees in locations near a home air conditioner can keep the air conditioner cooler which helps it run more efficiently, so less energy is used.[7]

See also

References
  1. All About Shade Trees
  2. Shade Tree
  3. AgroForestryTree Database - Species information Archived 2013-01-13 at archive.today
  4. Winterhill Tree Farm - Shade Trees
  5. ABC - Gardening Australia - Shade Trees
  6. Selecting Landscape Plants: Shade Trees by Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Horticulture, Bonnie Appleton, Extension Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
  7. "How to Plant Trees to Conserve Energy for Summer Shade - Climate Change at arborday.org". www.arborday.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
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