Plant trees for summer shade

Staying active outside reduces stress and provides a dose of vitamin D. Trees with shade below help us stay cool, relax and enjoy time outside.

Trees are nature's air conditioner. Trees that shade patios, sidewalks and driveways cool the concrete, the entire yard and the neighborhood. Scientists have found that trees can lower air temperatures 10 lifesaving degrees in city neighborhoods.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention singles out heat exposure as the single largest weather-related cause of death in the US.

Large shade trees — bur and other oaks, sycamores, tulip trees, London plane tree and birches — provide comfort shade even on the hottest summer days. A tree's leaves and branches allow only about 10-30% of solar heat to reach the area under the tree. The rest of the solar energy is absorbed through the tree's leaves for photosynthesis — or reflected back into the atmosphere.

Many tree species that cast shade can also provide spring flowers, and bright fall colors. It's best to choose a species that will thrive in your local environment.

Planting trees that are native to your area have a much better chance of reaching their full potential and help create a productive ecosystem.

Learn more about how to select trees for your yard at iowadnr.gov.