Living Shade

Let The Plants Shade And Protect

Here in Missouri living shade is the most popular and abundant shade used to keep the direct sun off of homes and create a shady place to relax in the yard.

Trees like Maples, Poplars and Oaks make outstanding sources for this kind of shade and protection.

Vines placed in the right places do an excellent job also.  They can be trained to cover just about any kind of yard structure.  Does your Gazebo need some partial shade?  Try planting some Dutchman's Pipe.  It grows fast and does not require a lot of water.

Are you looking for a living privacy wall that can also provide a little shade? Bamboo makes an excellent fence as would a row of Hemlock trees.

There are many structures that can be built for the purpose of covering with live growth.  Arbors, trellises and pergolas are just of few of these shade structures.  Living shade can turn an otherwise useless yard ornament into an outdoor vocal point.

Let's discover how to make use of plants to shade and protect our homes and yards.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have existing plants to shade their homes.  How fast the plant will develop becomes an important consideration when planning your landscaping.  The size of the plants you purchase is an important consideration also.  Trees purchased in the eight to ten foot size are your best bet for shade in the near future.  Red Oak is the fastest grower in the Oak family.  It makes an excellent choice for a new home owner wanting fast shade.

This is a do it yourself gazebo just waiting for the perfect vine.  Starting some Blue Chinese Wisteria in each of the four corners will have this structure covered in no time.  Gazebos, arbors, pergolas and trellises are all perfect locations for a fast growing vine.