Shade Trees
by Durant Ashmore, Certified Nurseryman
Photos courtesy: Images By BA
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January is
an excellent time to plant shade trees in South Carolina. Trees are
dormant now and can most easily withstand the stress involved with
transplanting. Whether you plant large field grown trees balled with
burlap and wire baskets or smaller trees grown in nurseries in plastic
pots, now is the time to do it!
Shade tree planting design is important. Shade trees planted on the Southern and Western sides of a residence provide the best passive energy savings possible. These trees provide cool shade in the summer, and allow warm sunlight in the winter after they have dropped their leaves.
Shade trees should frame the house. They should be planted on the corners or ends of the house and not directly in front where they could block the front door which is usually the focal point of the residence. Perhaps three shade trees could be planted on the Southern or Western side, with one or two shade trees planted on the Eastern side for balance.
Rules to remember for shade trees
Trees should be planted thirty feet from the residence
Trees should be planted thirty feet from other trees.
Trees should be planted ten feet from hardscapes such as walkways, driveways or patios.
A few shade tree selections
Shade tree planting design is important. Shade trees planted on the Southern and Western sides of a residence provide the best passive energy savings possible. These trees provide cool shade in the summer, and allow warm sunlight in the winter after they have dropped their leaves.
Shade trees should frame the house. They should be planted on the corners or ends of the house and not directly in front where they could block the front door which is usually the focal point of the residence. Perhaps three shade trees could be planted on the Southern or Western side, with one or two shade trees planted on the Eastern side for balance.
Rules to remember for shade trees
Trees should be planted thirty feet from the residence
Trees should be planted thirty feet from other trees.
Trees should be planted ten feet from hardscapes such as walkways, driveways or patios.
A few shade tree selections
| Black Gum* | Gingko |
| Bald Cypress* | Katsura |
 |
| Oaks* |
*native trees to South Carolina
Next month we will be continue this discussion with an article on understory and ornamental trees in the landscape.