Can fruit trees be used as shade trees?
If you are wanting to plant trees in order to shade your garden, you will probably want something that grows fast and provides plenty of shade. You may want a tree that only provides shade in summer, yet lets the sun through in winter. With the many types of trees available, you should have no problem finding a variety that will grow at a decent pace and provide all the shade you require.
Generally trees are separated into two categories: fruit trees, which are often deciduous and evergreen trees, some of which are also fruit trees. Confused yet? And some trees live longer than others. If you are just looking for some temporary shade for your garden, you should stick to a short lived tree. Or maybe just get a shade sail. But if you plan on keeping your shade around for years, go for a fruit tree.
Can fruit trees be grown for shade? Definitely. Any large growing fruit tree will cast shade. Apple trees get large, so do plum trees, pear trees, mango and avocado trees. Other fruiting trees grow to a reasonable size too. Berries on the other hand are often on bushes, or canes, although some blueberry varieties grow on trees, though they don't get too big.
A cherry tree this large casts plenty of shade in summer.
Photo credit morgueFile
If you decide on a short lived plant for your shade, you may want to steer clear of a traditional fruit tree. You are probably looking for something with speedy growth. This means the root system will be particularly aggressive, so be sure not to place it near any septic tanks or other deep rooted plants. If the roots have plenty of area to grow, then they will shoot out extremely fast and your chosen tree or plant will take off in growth. Your placement should also be based on the tree’s relative position to the area you are wanting to shade.
Fruit trees in a good position can live for a very long time, so if using one for shade, prepare your soil well. The bigger hole you dig for the root ball, the better. Also when you dig out the soil from the hole, incorporate some compost or composted manure before you replace it. This will give the tree a boost. Also try to use organic materials and don't forget to mulch your.
When you buy your shade tree, be it a fruit tree or not, it will usually come with the root ball balled up and in a burlap bag. Or it might be growing in a container or simply bare rooted. If you get a tree in a burlap bag, you should plant it anywhere between fall and early spring. Trees grown in containers are ok to plant at almost any time of the year. If the tree just has bare roots, then the ideal planting time is anytime in winter and early spring.After you buy the tree and before you plant it, be sure to water it well.
The ideal planting process includes putting it in the ground at the proper depth, and replacing the soil without compressing it too much. Immediately after planting, give the tree its first watering before putting the layer of mulch on. You should always try to use organic mulch, and have a 2 or 3 inch layer of it at the base of your tree.
Making your own compost is easy and can be done in a tumbler like this one.
Photocredit morgueFile
When fertilizing your tree, follow the instructions on the label or apply your knowledge of your particular fruit tree, in order to figure out exactly how much to apply and when to apply it. Try for natural options such as composted manure, compost, liquid and dirt from a worm farm. Any fertilizer that you do add should be sufficiently watered in.
If you want a tree that will let sun through in winter, consider an apple tree, pear tree or cherry tree. These trees all lose their leaves in winter, allowing the sun to shine through, and will provide beautiful blossoms in the spring as a bonus.
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