When the sun is out, like everyone else, do you enjoy going out in your garden? However, enjoying the beautiful summer days is not always so easy with the increasingly intense heat. There are several tips that you can implement. What if we told you that the best solution to bring shade and freshness to your little corner of paradise is simply to plant trees?
Why plant a tree to provide shade in your garden? 🏡
There are many benefits to providing shade to the garden. Did you know that thanks to shade , in summer, plants grow much better and faster? It’s all thanks to the stomata So, either you’re wondering what word did we make up, or you’re already an accomplished gardener Don’t panic, this word exists and the Draw Me A Garden team is here to explain everything to you. Stomata are natural openings that allow your plants to “breathe”. Located on the surface of the leaves,
they look like tiny holes And they allow plants to exchange molecules present in the air . However, these famous stomata only open under cer
tain conditions. If it is too dry or too hot, the stomata remain closed and block the growth of the plant . This prevents the plant from losing too much water, since during these gas exchanges, it loses a lot of humidity To stay in the plant and in conclusion, opting for planting a tree will allow you to protect the soil from drought by conserving humidity . Add it to a ground cover and your soil will remain protected and always cool!
Now that you are an expert, you understand the benefit of creating shaded areas in your garden! In addition, your various plantations will only flourish more.
Photosynthesis
And for you then? The plants are sheltered, that’s ok. Indeed, you surely want to have a pleasant summer and create shaded areas to fully enjoy your outdoors . The benefits also apply to you, thanks to photosynthesis . Photosynthesis is endothermic , which means that it creates cold . Planting a tree means creating shade but also freshness unlike solutions such as parasols, curtains, non-plant structures, etc.; which will only provide shade.
Obviously, this shading solution must be spread over several years, allow between 3 and 5 years depending on the species (development time). However, it will allow you to spend a cool summer and improve the quality of your environment , which is not negligible. But then which trees to choose ?
Our little update on garden trees
In botany, we define a tree as “a woody tree that rises to more than 7 meters”. However, the practical definition admits that a tree is simply a subject that dominates others . Do you want to plant trees in your garden? There are a multitude of reasons why you might want to add trees to your garden . The various foliage, bark, flowers, fruits or simply the creation of shaded areas can be part of this Symbolically, we say that we do not plant a tree for ourselves, but for future generations . We still advise you to plant some for yourself because certain species grow very quickly. 😉
Put some distance between the trees 🌲
If you have a large plot of land , it is interesting to plant several plants next to each other. First of all, because they will protect each other from bad weather. As a result, they will become more resistant. Also, grouping your tree plantations together will limit their growth. This includes less trimming work Good to know There is no ideal planting distance between two subjects. Take as an example the forest where some trees grow very close. In return, they will take longer to develop . Which will not prevent them from becoming beautiful and vigorous . However, there is a distance of at least 1 meter to respect from your fences For smaller gardens, planting trees remains just as interesting to provide shade and more biodiversity. Instead, opt for one or two isolated subjects in addition to a flower bed, or to provide shade on your terrace for example.
Choose your garden trees wisely
Two choices are available to you. You can decide to buy in large items The advantage is the immediate effect in your garden . However, their price is often more expensive given the time required to cultivate them. You will need 3 to 5 years for your tree to take root and resume normal growth You can also opt to buy them as young plants . The advantage of young plants is that they resume growth very quickly. They grow as if they had never been transplanted. Plus, they are much cheaper If you need at least three people to transport it, we can call it a “big item”.
Draw Me A Garden’s favorite trees 🌿
It is also called “Catalpa ball”. The advantages: it forms a crown in the shape of a compact ball, similar to a plant parasol under which it is good to shelter from the sun in summer. Its leaves are very large, heart-shaped which gives them a tropical appearance, ideal for bringing an exotic atmosphere to your garden. It is suitable for flower beds as well as meadows and also has very good disease resistance. 💪
Amelanchier lamarckii
The Saskatoon berry is on our list for its superb flowers! The advantages: this small tree grows quickly and is hardy (resistant up to -30°C)! It has an open, rounded and compact shape perfect for providing shade to your garden . You can add it to your flowerbeds, as a hedge or alone. It flowers from April to May, and has small white flowers which will subsequently give way to small dark purple fruits. In addition, its fruits are edible and very good in jam. 🫐
Albizia julibrissin Ombrella
Also called the “Silk Tree”, it is appreciated for its aesthetics. The advantages: ideal for creating shade thanks to its parasol shape . We recommend that you plant it alone in the location you want, lightly shaded. It is also very aesthetic with its pink pompom-shaped flowers and grows in all types of soil. This tree has very good disease resistance and you do not have to prune it. 😉
Malus Perpetu Evereste
Yes, you can also include fruit trees in your garden to create shade! The advantages of the “Ornamental Apple Tree”: it is resistant to diseases, easy to maintain and can reach up to 8 meters high. Plant it alone or to complement your orchards. Its shape is flared, semi-spreading, you won’t even need to prune it! On the flowering side, it begins in the form of pink buds followed by pure white flowers gathered in small bouquets and lasts from April to May. 🍎
Prunus serrulata Kanzan
More commonly known as “Japanese flowering cherry”, its foliage changes color throughout the year, depending on the seasons. This is one of the many reasons we love it so much. The advantages: it has an erect habit, which once adult spreads out. In addition, this tree is hardy, that is to say very resistant to cold! But above all, we love it for its beautiful flowers which will bring shade and softness to your garden. Indeed, its pale pink flowering is abundant and spectacular . 🌸
A little look at the plantation
First of all know that the most important thing in planting your trees is to take care of their roots So grab your shovels! It’s time to dig the hole that will accommodate your tree. Whatever your soil type, the important thing is to work your land well beforehand . In fact, if you turn it over, it will be more airy, which will facilitate the development of the roots First, you will need to dig wider than the root ball, or the extent of the roots . Moreover, do not hesitate to break up the root ball and pull out the longest roots as much as possible. Then place the collar (point where the roots begin) at ground level. You can also arrange a basin to facilitate watering, materialize it with a mound of earth for example. To finalize, you can equip yourself with a stake, which will help you hold the young tree in place without hindering its movement. You have finished ! All you have to do is enjoy your garden and watch your tree grow. You will be nice and cool in a few years.
Draw Me A Garden advice :
Avoid fertilizer when planting , a shrub not rooted in the soil will not absorb it. The fertilizer will end up flowing into the water table during watering without having time to act on anything . The addition of potting soil or organic amendment is more than sufficient for planting.
No more burning your skin in summer! You now have all the cards in hand to create small shady corners in the garden. Pssst, you can find several very interesting trees in our Free Nature Garden
