Summers are getting hotter, with temperature records, and the rush to create «oasis of freshness» It is essential. Each garden is unique and its dimensions are very important when deciding, since a very tall and leafy tree in a few years could occupy all the air and underground space of the place.

That little tree that today measures 1 m high and looks weak, at some point it will grow and offer shade, abundant oxygen, flowers and fruits.

So that you can choose the perfect species as a shade tree for your garden, do not only evaluate the aesthetic aspect: having beautiful flowering trees in the garden is, without a doubt, wonderful, but it is also important to look at their function, its form of growth and the development of its roots.

What to consider when looking for shade trees

We are going to highlight the three most important aspects that you should take into account when choosing your shade trees.

1. What is the growth of the roots?

A tree with powerful and very expansive roots is an inconvenience for nearby pipes and buildings. Avoiding these problems is part of a human decision, not the «aggressive» development of the tree’s roots: Research its growth characteristics before planting A tree will prevent future problems.

And what should you keep in mind regarding the roots?

• The roots are the anchor of the tree to the ground and the organ through which it absorbs water and essential nutrientss for its development.
• They extend into a area similar to the extent of the crown or more.
• There are basically two types of roots in trees: on the one hand, the taprootswhich are characterized by having a thick main root and growing downwards; on the other hand, the extensive rootswhich are thinner and are amplified at the sides like the cup, providing very good grip to the ground and resistance to winds.

When looking for a shade tree for a medium-sized garden, located next to the house, as usual, taproots will give us less problems. On the other hand, extensive roots can cause more problems to structures in the garden, since they invade the ground.

2. the roots will be more invasive the more water the tree needs

The roots are incessant searchers for water. For this reason, They puncture pipes, invade new land or break the ground and swimming pools.

The eucalyptusthe willows and the poplars They are champions in searching for water, so their roots will not stop until they find a source that provides it. Avoid them in small and medium-sized gardens. They are recommended species only for large spaces.

3. Fast growth and non-invasive roots, the winning combination

Some fast-growing trees with leafy crowns They have the characteristic of having little root volume, superficial and non-invasive.

These types of trees are considered to be Ideal shade trees for the garden. They cast good shade and can be planted in gardens without worry; also in narrow streets or in small areas. Not only do they cool with their shade, but most have spectacular blooms or will transform your garden into a productive orchard with their fruits.

Below you will find a selection of trees that grow fast and provide shade, with these characteristics, which are very well adapted to the Iberian Peninsula. We will start with dazzling flowering trees that provide shadeso they are very decorative in the garden. Later we will also see some fruit trees that grow fast and they provide shade, so that in addition to enjoying under their glass you can also enjoy them at the table.

6 beautiful trees to enjoy good shade in summer

Here you have a selection of trees that grow fast, provide good shade and also decorate the garden with their flowers or fruits: