One of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor space during the hot summer months is by planting trees that provide ample shade. Trees are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide various environmental benefits such as reducing soil erosion, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 trees for shade in your landscape.
Jacaranda
The Jacaranda is a popular choice for Australian landscapes due to its stunning purple blooms that cover the tree during spring. This deciduous tree can grow up to 15m tall and has a spreading canopy that provides excellent shade. Its foliage is fern-like, and the leaves turn yellow in the autumn before falling off. The Jacaranda tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established.
Chinese Elm
The Chinese Elm is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can grow up to 12m tall with a broad canopy. Its leaves are small and glossy, and its bark has a distinct mottled appearance. This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is a hardy tree that can withstand drought and poor soil conditions. The Chinese Elm is also resistant to Dutch Elm Disease, which has devastated many elm trees in Australia.
Liquidambar
The Liquidambar, also known as the American Sweet Gum, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25m tall with a dense, pyramidal canopy. Its leaves are star-shaped and turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the autumn. This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established. The Liquidambar is also known for its distinctive, spiky seed pods.
Golden Penda
The Golden Penda is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 10m tall with a dense, round canopy. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and it produces clusters of yellow flowers during spring and summer. This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established. The Golden Penda is also attractive to birds and butterflies.
Frangipani
The Frangipani is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10m tall with a broad canopy. Its leaves are long and narrow, and it produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow during summer. This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established. The Frangipani is also a popular tree for tropical and coastal landscapes.
In conclusion, planting trees that provide shade in your landscape not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also provides numerous environmental benefits. The Jacaranda, Chinese Elm, Liquidambar, Golden Penda, and Frangipani are all excellent choices for shade trees in Australian landscapes. Each of these trees has unique characteristics that make them suitable for different soil and light conditions.
At Mandurah Landscaping Solutions, we offer a wide range of landscaping services, including tree planting and maintenance. Our team of experienced landscapers can help you choose the right trees for your landscape and ensure that they are planted correctly and maintained to keep them healthy and beautiful for years to come.
If you are interested in adding shade trees to your landscape or any other landscaping services, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate. Our landscaping expert looks forward to working with you to create your dream outdoor space.
