Flowering trees to use for shade

[CountryQueen]

What are some good flowering trees to use for shade? I have a nice sized plot in the front yard that I want to fill with trees to block the sun in the summer. They need to be deciduous so that in the winter the sun comes through. My house is eastward facing so this will help to cool it in the summer, but when the leaves shed in the fall it will also help to warm it during the day. Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[Becky]

Sounds like a great idea! What size trees are you looking for? And how close to your house will they be?

 

[CountryQueen]

I want to plant them about 8-10 feet from the house. I have several large wild dogwood trees, but they are off to the side. I like Bradford pears, but I have heard that they break easily. I would like something that didn't get anymore than 10-30 feet tall and had a nice canopy habit. I had some beautiful mimosas, but they had to come down to put our new house up. There are just so many that I like, but I have no idea where to start and what would work best.

 

[claudine]

Have you thought about planting magnolias? In my opinion they're one of the most beautiful flowering trees in the whole world. If I could, I'd plant them everywhere
If you don't know what do they look like, here are some pictures:

 

[cmckinney01]

I'm also a big fan of magnolias. You may also want to plant crab apple trees. These trees will brighten up your yard with beautiful pink blossoms every spring. Then, the trees will give you plenty of shade all summer long. The only disadvantages with crab apple trees is that the apples don't taste very good and can make a mess of your yard when they fall off the tree. However, I think the blooms and the shade far outweigh the disadvantages of planting crab apples.

 

[Jewell]

Dogwoods come in pink and white flowering varieties are also an option, but I love magnolias also. Magnolias also come in many different varieties so that you can get the variety that fits the size you want in a tree.

 

[CountryQueen]

My neighbor has a giant magnolia. I think it's called a Southern magnolia. You know, one of those great big trees with the huge dark green leaves and the big white flowers. The leaves stay green all year. I really do love dogwoods- I have one growing wild in the back yard. I may have to look crab apple trees up to see. I know that I have seen them before, but I just don't remember what they look like.

 

[gata montes]

CountryQueen - Crab apple or Malus trees are very popular choice when choosing a shade tree because of their shape and beauty throughout the seasons - but you do need to bear in mind that some varieties can be quite messy during the fruiting season - am sure that you would very easily find one that suited your situation, especially as there are hundreds of varieties and colors to choose from but here are a few of the best

Malus Kelsey

Malus Japenese or Japenese Crab Apple

Malus Purpurea - has reddish purple foliage in the autumn

Malus - Profusion - has reddish foliage through the growing season

There are many more than these and if you like trees that have reddish purple foliage there are plenty to choose from under the thread title " Ornamental Trees & Shrubs with reddish purple foliage "

 

[Becky]

How about planting an orchard? You could have an apples, pears, cherries, plums etc. It would look beautiful in spring and you would have lots of fruit in autumn!

 

[justusforus]

Becky has a great idea. Shade, flowers AND fruit. I do have to admit a lot of the flowering tree pics were fantastic. Magnolias look magnificent.

 

[LindaKay]

What a wonderful option. These are some positively GORGEOUS trees. Now, I want some.

 

[CountryQueen]

Form and function- the best of both worlds! That is definitely worth looking into. I think the kids would like that a lot, too. Thanks for such wonderful suggestions!

 

[LouisFerdinand]

Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac Tree

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1051309106734000397/