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TN Nurseries best selling shade trees
2. Sugar maple
3. Beech tree
Types of Shade Garden Designs
It is this time of the year when we mortals begin seeking a shady spot in our garden for a little reprise from the full blast of the sun. First and foremost, we must all remember that all shade is not created equal. In our garden, we'll find areas of partial shade, deep shade, and light shade - each of these shade garden options is determined by your landscape design.
Deep Shade Garden Design
In a partial shade area, we have a broad range of exciting and colorful plants; yet, these same plants under the heavy shade of an oak or pine will experience difficulty in growing or even surviving. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the type of shade you have and choosing plants for those particular light requirements is the most critical element of a successful shade garden.
Dappled Shade Garden Design
A light canopy of tree foliage produces what is referred to as 'Dappled Shade.' It is a moving pattern of direct sunlight and shade across the ground for 1 or 2 hours a day while receiving bright indirect light all day. Not all trees produce dappled shade; evergreens and trees with dense foliage induce deep shade.
Light Shade Garden Design
From Dappled Shade, we move to Light Shade, also known as open shade, because the area is open to the sky, but walls, hedges, or other structures block direct sunlight. Although there is no direct sun, the affected area still receives plenty of reflected bright light. Many plants thrive in Light Shade, such as vines and climbers to cover stark unattractive walls or privacy fences. It must be noted that the soil tends to be dry in these areas because much of the rainfall is blocked by the structures.
Partial Shade Garden Design
We have covered Deep shade, Dappled shade, and Light shade; where does Partial shade fit in? Partial shade is an area that receives 2 to 6 hours of sun each day. Many of our plants that prefer full sunlight will perform admirably in Partial shade.
Moist Shade Garden Design
Thought we covered all of the shade conditions? Wrong. There is a Moist shade area along streams, ponds, or well-watered flowerbeds. Maidenhair and cinnamon ferns, trillium, bluebells, and forget-me-nots, will thrive in this particular shade condition.
Using Shade in your Landscape Design
Can we control shade? Yes, it is possible to reduce deep shade to dappled shade under trees and large shrubs by pruning. Thinning out branches opens the canopy, permitting more light to reach the ground and increasing the airflow.
First, remove the dead or diseased branches, then prune those that grow toward the center of the tree or shrub rather than outward. Continue selective pruning until you achieve the desired amount of shade. Remember, never prune more than one-third of the branches annually. It is better to remove small branches rather than significant limbs. Removal of the lowest branches will raise the tree's canopy and allow the more direct sun to reach the ground.
The last resort drastic option would be the complete removal of large shrubs and trees, mainly if they are planted too closely together. It may be the only option for trees or shrubs that drop leaves that are toxic to most plants, such as the eucalyptus or black walnut.
Talk to one of our online nursery experts to find out more about how to develop your shade garden design.
