Trees for Shade

Hoping to fill a shady area with a tree? Relax, most trees evolved to grow in the shade of a forest. Some grow better than others, however, and in this collection, we've curated a selection of the very best trees for shade, so you can rest assured you'll be getting a beautiful, long-lived tree, even if you're not lucky enough to live in a suntrap. 

 

Need help picking?
Shade-loving perennials (62)Climbing plants for shade (97)Birch trees (11)Willow trees (14)Acer trees (42)

Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery

Meet Mike

Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe

Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.

Need help picking?

Which trees grow well in shade?

Which trees grow well in shade?

There are a number of trees that grow nicely in shade, which is good news for those gardens not blessed with lots of sunlight. There are both deciduous and evergreen options, all offering a range of different appeals. Take the humble Japanese maple, for example. Certain varieties actually prefer a partially-shaded spot over direct sunlight, as the latter can lead to leaf scorch. Green-leaved varieties are particularly-suited to deeper shade. Other suitable trees for more shaded locations include dogwood, amelanchier, redbud, katsura, holly, hornbeam, crabapple and magnolia trees.

Caring for trees for shade

Caring for trees for shade

Generally speaking, once established trees for shade require little by way of maintenance. Unless they fall within a rain ‘shadow’ – in which case a bit more watering is required – most require less watering than trees grown in full sunlight, as the soil dries out less quickly. Give your tree a mulch every spring; this will help both retain moisture and suppress competition from weeds and grass. Prior to mulching, you can apply some slow-release general fertilliser, though most trees will be fine without this. Pruning requirements will vary from tree to tree, but typically most will be fine with just a light trim each year to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches.

Planting schemes for trees for shade

Planting schemes for trees for shade

There are two planting schemes that immediately spring to mind when considering trees for shade: Japanese and woodland gardens. The former features trees like acers and magnolias, which tend to perform well in slightly shadier areas, while the latter comprises all sorts of trees adapted to growing in the dappled light or understorey of forests and woods. This includes plants like tree ferns, yew and hazel.

Trees for Shade FAQs

What is the best tree to grow in shade?

Various trees grow well in shadier conditions, including yew, holly and Portuguese laurel, while various others grow well in dappled/partial shade, including Japanese maples, flowering dogwoods, rowans and some beech trees.

What is the fastest-growing tree to provide shade?

Certain willows and poplars are two of the fastest-growing trees to provide some shade, with weeping willows growing up to a whopping two-and-a-half metres per year given the appropriate conditions.

How do you look after trees for shade?

Trees for shade are looked after in a very similar manner to any other tree; that’s to say, water your tree well to help establishment, and then during hot, dry spells thereafter. Consider mulching and feeding with slow-release fertiliser in spring and trim away dead, damaged or diseased branches as and when you see them. For more specific care requirements, see each tree’s individual product page or one of our comprehensive guides.

Happy plants make happy customers

Trustpilot
Ornamental Colour Collection Pond Plants
five star rating on Trustpilot

Plants arrived in great condition and very promptly. Well established - much better than the ones I got at my local garden centre.

Monica Spence

| 24 May
Star Jasmine | Trachelospermum jasminoides Climbing Plants
five star rating on Trustpilot

Yet again this company delivered good healthy plants, exactly as shown in photos, well packaged and within delivery time quoted. Recommend!

Jacqueline Burgess

| 2 Jun
five star rating on Trustpilot

I continue to be so impressed with Roots. Their customer care, knowledge of their subject: from planting hedges to pruning roses and more, has been a great support.

Judy Lane

| 23 Oct
E 'Black Hamburgh' Indoor Grape Vine Soft Fruit
five star rating on Trustpilot

The plant arrived looking vigorously healthy, which brings a smile to your face, extremely well protected in its packaging.

Martyn Hill

| 5 Jul
E 'Braeburn Hillwell' Apple Tree Fruit Trees
five star rating on Trustpilot

As a non-gardener, I found my whole experience brilliant. Great information & advice available on the website, great range of products & prices are brilliant.

John-Paul

| 22 May
five star rating on Trustpilot

Wonderful plants and great customer service... really surprised to find that the plants are better than those you would get at your local garden centre.

Gavin Wilcock

| 8 Nov

Fighting plastic waste

Delivering fresh from the nursery

Supporting UK growers