Shady Characters
- highplainstrees
- May 3
- 4 min read
Did you know a properly positioned shade tree can not only provide privacy and aesthetics but it can also save you money over time? The area directly under a shade tree can be as much as 30 degrees cooler than the adjacent, non-shaded area. This is due to more than simply blocking the sun’s rays. A process called “evapostransporation” causes a natural cooling effect as trees release water vapor during their natural breathing process where they pull water from the ground and move it to the air via vapor.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Standards and Technology and the United States Department of Agriculture, a shade tree planted to shade the west and south sides of the house can reduce electric bills by 5-15%!
Now that you know the secret benefit of planting a shade tree, what kind should you consider? Here in Northern Colorado, we have two main areas for trees. Out here where we are located, in Ault, it is considered the High Plains. This is where our namesake comes from. It is often dry and windy so trees must be carefully selected if they are to thrive in our arid climate. Despite a challenging terrain, there are several species of shade trees that can still grow into giants that will provide shade for generations to come.
The following trees are all classified as shade trees. Given proper growing conditions, they all have the ability to achieve 50’ or greater in height. Species denoted with an * are well suited for consideration for those of us in more arid or dry environments such as those on our high plains. Other species listed should be considered for river bed locations and other neighboring areas with less arid climates.
Oaks:
Oak trees produce acorns and have a beautiful shape as they grow. They are not the fastest growing tree but, once established, will provide a beautiful shade canopy for years to come.
English oak-
The English oak’s leaves turn yellowish-brown in the fall. They are very broad trees and need a lot of room around them. Their lower branches grow nearly vertically and the tops are a pleasing round shape. The English oak will tolerate clay soils.
Swamp white oak-
This oak has leaves that are dark green, like their cousin the English oak, however they have a bright white underside that shines in the sun. They will have an oval shape when mature. One thing to note if you choose to plant this type of tree is that you must test the soil and amend the pH if too alkaline (less than 7.5). It will not tolerate high pH soil.
*Chinkapin oak-
Yes another oak but this one has a super power! It tolerates poorer soil conditions than its more picky cousins, including soil that is dryer and more alkaline than other trees would tolerate.
*Bur oak-
We personally love Bur oaks and have one in our backyard. These trees have bright, glossy green leaves that turn a beautiful yellow-brown in the fall. These trees are hardy and will live for years to come.
Other shade tree species that do well in our area:
American elm -
This is the classic street tree. It has a broad crown and natural pest resistance, this one is a real stand out for our area. One thing to note is that over-popularization of the elm has led to a vulnerability to the often fatal Dutch elm disease. This has improved in recent years but if there are already a lot of elms in your area, especially any sick ones, it’s best to avoid planting an elm for now. Most of our communities are over populated with elms so we recomend steering away from this tree in our area for the most part. If you do decide to plant an elm, look for disease resistant cultivars.
*Hackberry-
Hackberry trees are hardy. They have small berries that grow on them that are red to purple in color. There are a ton of varieties of hackberry, over 200 to choose from.
Honey locust-
Have you ever noticed trees with fern-like limbs and leaves on them? Locust trees are beautiful, but this one in particular steals the show with a beautiful honey yellow color in the fall. Honey locusts are very hardy as long as they are properly maintained.
Kentucky coffee tree-
These majestic trees can grow to towering heights under proper conditions. They have unique white flowers on them and produce seed pods that do require some fall raking. They are pest resistant and very hardy.
The benefits of shade trees are as far reaching as their late afternoon shadows. We hope this article gives you a good starting point on the benefits of planting shade trees and some species to consider. References used when researching this article are below. As always, reach out with any questions!
References
Colorado State University Extension. (n.d.). 1736- Oak Trees. Retrieved from Plant Talk Colorado: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1736-oak-trees/
Colorado Tree Coalition. (n.d.). Recommended Trees for the Front Range. Retrieved from Colorado Tre Coalition: https://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/trees_for_frontrange.pdf
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