Shallow Rooted Plants

Shallow Rooted Plants

Do you have a small garden that receives too much sunlight? So, you urgently need shade trees and little roots, some types of plants under whose branches you can enjoy being outdoors while you read a good book or celebrate with your loved ones a party.

If you want us to help you choose the best ones, you can be sure that we will do it ????. Because we love it. Discover which species are the most recommended for shade without having to break pipes or floors.

List of trees with little root to shade

Maples

Maples are deciduous trees native to the temperate regions of the world, found mainly in America and Europe.There is a great variety, some of which are better known than others, such as Acer palmatum , Acer rubrum or Acer pseudoplatanus . Any of them are suitable to give good shade, but if you have a rather small garden you have to opt for smaller species, such as the Acer campestre (10 meters), the Acer pensylvanicum (5-10 meters) or the Acer negundo (12-15 meters).

So that they can develop well, it is very important that they are in places with a temperate climate , whose seasons are well differentiated. During the winter, the temperature must drop below 0 degrees.

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Bauhinia

The Bauhinia , known as Orchid Tree, Camel Foot or Cow Leg, are deciduous trees native to Asia that reach a height of about 6-7 meters . They have a dense glass and more or less aparasolado, so that over the years give an interesting shadow. In addition, its flowers are a real wonder as you can see in the images.

Plant them in full sun and enjoy them throughout the year. They withstand light frosts of up to -7ºC .

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Cercis siliquastrum

Known by the common names Tree of Love , Judas Tree, Judea Tree, Cyclamen or Crazy Carob, it is one of the most planted species in parks and streets. Originally from Southern Europe and Western Asia, it only grows to a height of 6-12 meters , making it perfect for small gardens.

Its leaves are deciduous, and its lilac flowers are amazing. These appear before the leaves, in spring. The most interesting thing is that, not only gives a good shade, but also can be pruned in autumn or late winter. And, yes, it also resists the cold: up to -18ºC .

Below, there are some examples of Cercis siliquastrum trees

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Citrus Trees

We do not usually think of citrus trees as shade trees, which is a mistake. Yes it is true that normally only used as fruit trees, but with some pruning you can get a copy that gives you very good shade . Especially advisable is the lemon tree , but in reality anyone will serve you.

These trees are evergreen and have very nice aromatic florets. So your garden, apart from being a very cozy place, you will have dessert ready during the fruit season ????. The only thing is that you have to fertilize them from spring to autumn, and protect them from intense frost. They resist up to -7 ° C , but while they are young they need a little protection against the cold.

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Ligustrum lucidum

The arboreal privet you have probably seen it in the parking lots. It is a perennial tree native to China and Japan that reaches a height of 12-15 meters . It has a rapid growth, so if you are in a hurry to get that precious shade, this tree will be one of your best options, since its flowers, springing in spring, give off a pleasant aroma.

The only drawback is that the fruits when they fall dirty the soil, but it adapts to all types of soils. And if this does not seem enough, tell you that it resists pruning and frost of up to -12ºC .

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Prunus

The Prunus … They are some of the most beautiful trees that exist, and some of those that can give an interesting shade to the small gardens. There are many species as you can see in this article , but if you want only to be protected from the sun and decorative, get one of the ones you see in the images above.

Both the Prunus cerasifera var. Pissardi , known as plum of Pissard or plum of Japan (among other names), such as Prunus mahaleb or Cerezo de Santa Lucia, such as Prunus serrulata or Japanese cherry are deciduous plants that reach heights between 6 and 12 meters. Likewise, they are also very resistant: they withstand frost well up to -15ºC .

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Tips for caring for your trees

Do you already know which tree you are going to put? If so, first of all, I invite you to read these tips . Unfortunately, we often see trees that, although they do not have invasive roots, are placed too close to a wall or a paved or tiled floor, and over the years their root system ends up causing problems. The human being in these cases always ends up blaming the tree, when the only responsible is the one who planted it there.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, both medium and long term, you must leave space to the plant and move it away at least 50cm to 1m from any construction . Surely during the first years nothing will happen to have planted a few centimeters from the ground, but predictably in the future if you have to take measures to prevent the situation from worsening.

Another issue I’m going to talk about is maintenance. The trees that we have selected are suitable for beginners, but they need water, and also a contribution of regular fertilizer during the entire growing season. The best water will undoubtedly be the rain, but if you can not get it, you can fill a bucket and let it rest one night before using it. Do not let the soil remain dry for a long time, and enrich it by providing it from spring until late summer or early autumn with organic fertilizers .

To prevent pests, get neem oil and potassium soap , and treat your plants once a month (use if you want one time and the next the other, do not mix them). Even the diatomaceous earth can do very well , both to prevent the parasites from harming them and to fertilize the earth.

And nothing more. With this you will surely have shade for a long, long time ????.