Best Shade Trees for Backyards
A well-placed shade tree can reduce temperatures in its shade zone by 20-25 degrees and lower cooling costs for your home by 15-35% according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Here are the best species for backyard shade.
Best Overall Shade Trees
Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Moderate-to-fast growth (2-3 feet per year), dense canopy, brilliant fall color. Adaptable to most soil types. One of the most popular shade trees in the eastern US for good reason. Zones 3-9.
Red Oak (Quercus rubra): A large, stately tree with a broad spreading canopy that provides dense shade. Grows 2 feet per year once established. More drought-tolerant than maples. Zones 4-8.
Zelkova (Zelkova serrata): A great alternative to the American elm (similar vase shape, no Dutch elm disease). Clean tree with few pest problems. 40-60 feet tall and wide at maturity. Zones 5-8.
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana): The ultimate shade tree for the South. Massive spreading canopy, evergreen (keeps leaves year-round), extremely long-lived. Slow to moderate growth but worth the wait. Zones 7-10.
For Smaller Yards
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Smaller canopy (15-25 feet), beautiful form and leaf shape, tolerates partial shade. Not a full-yard shade tree but great for shading a seating area or shade garden. Zones 5-9.
Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis): Medium-sized (30-40 feet), drought-tolerant, outstanding fall color. Broad but not overwhelming canopy. Good for moderate-sized backyards. Zones 6-9.
Placement Tips
- Plant on the south and west sides of your patio or house for maximum summer shade (the sun is strongest from these directions in the afternoon)
- Keep trees at least 15-20 feet from the house foundation and 10 feet from fences and property lines
- Consider mature size — a tree that's cute at 10 feet can overwhelm a small yard at 60 feet
- Deciduous trees (lose leaves in fall) are ideal for backyards because they provide shade in summer and allow winter sun through
If you need shade faster than trees can provide, see fast-growing shade trees for the quickest options, or pair young trees with shade sails for immediate coverage while the trees grow.