The best trees for shade in summer

When the sun is beating down during a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than retreating to the cool shade of a tree. Not only do trees provide relief from the heat, but they also offer a range of ecological benefits, such as improved air quality, support for local wildlife, and enhanced beauty in your garden. In the UK, where summers can range from pleasantly warm to scorching, choosing the right shade trees is key for creating a comfortable outdoor space.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best trees for providing shade during the summer months, focusing on both deciduous and evergreen options suited to the UK’s temperate climate.

Why Trees Are Great for Shade

Before diving into specific species, let’s take a moment to consider the incredible advantages of having trees that offer shade in your garden:

  1. Temperature Regulation: Trees provide natural cooling, reducing the temperature of your garden by up to 10°C. This makes them ideal for hot days, especially if you have a south-facing garden that receives direct sunlight.

  2. Energy Savings: If you have trees near your house, they can also lower cooling costs by reducing the amount of heat that enters through windows. Shade trees help keep your home cooler, so you may not need to run air conditioning as much.

  3. Wildlife Habitat: Trees provide shelter and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity in your garden.

  4. Aesthetic Appeal: Trees with spreading canopies add beauty and structure to any garden, turning a simple outdoor space into an inviting, tranquil retreat.

Now let’s explore some of the best shade-giving trees you can plant in the UK.

Best Deciduous Trees for Shade

Deciduous trees shed their leaves in winter but offer a lush canopy in the summer. These trees are ideal for creating shade when you need it most, while still allowing sunlight to penetrate in winter.

  1. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
    The American beech is a fantastic choice for large gardens, providing dense, lush shade during the warmer months. It has smooth, silver-grey bark and glossy green leaves that turn golden-yellow in autumn. Beech trees thrive in the UK’s temperate climate and are well-suited to well-drained soils. They're slow-growing, so they need patience, but their size and canopy make them excellent for long-term shade.

  2. American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
    Known for its resilience and adaptability, the American hornbeam makes a great shade tree. It has attractive smooth bark and beautiful foliage that turns vibrant shades of orange and red in the autumn. This tree is smaller than some others but still provides ample shade for smaller gardens or areas where you don’t want a towering tree.

  3. Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
    The Bigleaf Maple is ideal for providing dense shade with its large, striking green leaves. It can grow quite tall, making it perfect for larger gardens or woodland areas. This tree is especially suited to areas with a lot of rain, as it thrives in moist, well-drained soils.

  4. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
    Famous for its stunning autumn colours, the sugar maple is another deciduous tree that excels in providing shade. While it is better suited to the slightly cooler, moist conditions of northern parts of the UK, it thrives in sheltered gardens and can adapt well to a range of soils.

  5. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) - Northern species
    The pawpaw is a quirky and lesser-known choice for shade, with large, tropical-looking leaves that provide dense cover. This tree can tolerate cooler climates and is ideal for gardeners looking to add something a little different to their landscape. It also produces unique, custard-like fruit in the autumn!

  6. Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
    The pagoda dogwood is a lovely, multi-stemmed tree that provides dappled shade. Its horizontal branching habit creates a layered canopy, and its white flowers in late spring and summer add ornamental value. It’s an excellent choice for smaller gardens where you don’t want to overpower the space.

Best Evergreen Trees for Shade

Evergreen trees retain their foliage all year round, offering consistent shade in both summer and winter. These trees are perfect if you're looking for year-round privacy and protection from the elements.

  1. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
    A conifer that is perfect for providing year-round shade, the Eastern hemlock has soft, feathery needles and a pyramidal shape. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is a great option for sheltered, woodland-type gardens. This tree also tolerates some shade itself, making it a versatile choice for gardens that aren’t in full sunlight.

  2. Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
    The Japanese yew is another conifer that provides excellent shade, with dense, dark green needles that create a thick canopy. It’s a versatile tree that works well in smaller gardens and can even be shaped into hedges or topiary for more ornamental purposes. Yews are tolerant of a variety of soil types and are quite hardy, making them a reliable choice for the UK climate.

  3. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) - Southern species
    The southern pawpaw, like its northern counterpart, provides dense shade with large, broad leaves. However, it is better suited to warmer regions of the UK and will thrive in sheltered, sunny spots. The southern species tends to be a little more vigorous than the northern species and is a wonderful choice for those seeking to create an almost tropical feel in their garden.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a grand tree to shade a large garden or a smaller, more compact option for a cosy corner, there’s a perfect tree for every situation. Deciduous trees like the American beech or sugar maple will offer vibrant seasonal beauty and generous shade during the summer, while evergreen options like the Eastern hemlock or Japanese yew will provide year-round relief.

By carefully selecting the right tree for your space, you’ll enjoy the many benefits of shade, from cooler temperatures and energy savings to a more inviting and biodiverse garden. Choose wisely, and your garden will be a relaxing retreat, no matter the weather!

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