Fast Growing Shade Trees
When designing a garden, it is common to consider having one or more fast growing shade trees , either as a hedge, and hedgerow, or as an isolated specimen. Although there are many that once adults give a good shade, it is important to choose the one that, of course, we like the most, but also the one that best suits our climate . This way we will avoid losing money and time, and we will be able to enjoy our garden even more.
That is why we have made for you a small selection of these fast growing shade trees for different climates: from tropical to temperate
Fast Growing Shade trees for warm climates (from the tropical to Temperate and Cooler Climates)
Delonix regia (Flamboyant)
The Flamboyant is a very ornamental tree, growing very fast in freezing climates whose red flowers are very striking. It grows to a height of 12 meters. Although the young specimens do not give much shade (as you can see in the photo below), the adults do give a lot, since the Delonix regia, from an early age, has more tendency to grow wider by taking longer and longer branches , that thickening the trunk.
So whether you have a small garden or a large one , the flamboyant will be an ideal option for you.
Ficus
The Ficus are a genus of climbing trees and shrubs distributed throughout the equator. Most of them have roots that are not suitable for small gardens, such as Ficus benghalensis or Ficus robusta , however, species such as Ficus benjamina or Ficus retusa can be without problems in this type of gardens. But unfortunately they are species that are not very apt to shade.
But no is problem. Species such as Ficus lyrata (photo below), may not give enough shade for us to picnic under your coat, but it will give enough if you want to plant plants that do not like the direct sun around them forming an hedge, like for example small palms like those of the genus Chamaedorea.
Ceratonia siliqua
The carob tree , whose scientific name is Ceratonia siliqua , is an ideal tree for gardens of low or no maintenance.Distributed throughout the Mediterranean, it can reach a height of 6-7 meters, with a cup of about the same as the height: about 5 meters. It is a very long-lived species with medium-rapid growth.
Resistant to pruning, we can form it as we want . We can even let it grow calm, and once adult cut branches that we consider too long.
Acacia
The majority of Acacias grow as shrubs or saplings distributed throughout the equator. Most of them do not give shade, but there are some like the Acacia tortilis (original species of the North of the African continent, ideal for tropical or subtropical climates) or the Acacia saligna (photo below) that, once adults, give very good shade.
All Acacia are very fast growing, and very resistant to drought . So much so that some species are becoming naturalized in Southern Europe, where rainfall does not reach 400 liters per year.
Fast Growing Shade trees for temperate climates, with mild to moderate frosts
Oak (Quercus robur)
The oak tree is a majestic tree that can reach a height of 40 meters, with a width of 10 meters. It is a deciduous tree that likes to feel the passage of the seasons of temperate climates. It does not tolerate excessive heat or drought. It is distributed throughout Europe, but we can only find it from 600 meters above sea level, in slightly acid soils and with winters with frosts. It usually grows along with trees that also give good shade, like the Fagus sylvatica (pictured above).
In the garden you will see spectacular as an isolated specimen , where you have enough land to develop the tree properly.
Aesculus hippocastanum
And finally we have the Horse Chestnut, whose scientific name is Aesculus hipposcastanum . It is a deciduous tree that can reach 30 meters high, fast growing. Originally from Albania, Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslavia. Currently acclimated by all places that enjoy a temperate climate.
It likes acid, and above all, broad surfaces. It does not resist the drought, neither the warm nor dry winds typical of more coastal climates.
A difficult question now: with which of these shade trees would you stay if you had to choose? Complicated, right? It is best to choose the one that can be adapted to the conditions of your garden , so you can enjoy its shadow without complications.
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
