Shade trees are a vital addition to any Colorado landscape, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the best shade trees for Colorado, taking into account the state's unique climate, soil conditions, and more. Beyond their beauty, shade trees provide crucial benefits such as reducing energy costs by cooling your home, improving air quality, and creating comfortable outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to enhance your property’s curb appeal or create a serene backyard retreat, choosing the right shade trees can make all the difference. Join us as we talk about the best shade trees for Colorado and discover how they can transform your outdoor living experience.
Why Shade Trees?
If you have been looking for the best shade trees for Colorado and are curious to know some of the benefits of shade trees, here are some of the top reasons why adding trees to your landscaping is highly recommended:
- Energy Savings
Shade trees can lower energy costs by cooling homes in the summer and reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Improved Air Quality
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, releasing oxygen and enhancing overall air quality.
- Biodiversity Support
Shade trees provide habitat and food for various wildlife, promoting biodiversity in the ecosystem.
- Erosion Control
Their root systems help prevent soil erosion and stabilize the ground.
- Enhanced Property Value
Well-placed shade trees can increase property value and curb appeal by enhancing the landscape.
- Aesthetic Appeal
Trees add beauty and character to landscapes, creating pleasant outdoor spaces for relaxation and recreation.
- Health Benefits
Spending time in shaded areas can reduce heat-related illnesses and encourage outdoor activity, benefiting physical and mental health. There are also many health benefits associated with planting and caring for plants.
- Noise Reduction/Privacy
Trees can act as sound barriers, reducing noise pollution from roads and other sources. They are also excellent for adding to the privacy of your outdoor spaces.
6 Colorado Shade Trees to Consider for Your Landscape Design
1. Shademaster Honeylocust
Botanical Name: Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Shademaster’
Zone: 3-6 (Learn more about hardiness zones!)
Height: 50 – 75 feet
Spread: 25 – 40 feet
Sun: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Soil Type: Widely Adaptable
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Yellow
Bloom: No
Fruit: No
Growth Rate: Fast
Honeylocust trees are favored for their delicate, fern-like foliage that provides lovely, dappled shade, benefiting grass and other plants beneath their canopy. They also offer vibrant yellow fall color, making them a beautiful addition to any landscape. Unlike many other honeylocust varieties, this type does not produce thorns, seedpods, or flowers. Mature honeylocusts can reach beyond 50 feet in height with a 40-foot spread. They grow rapidly, so avoid planting them in confined areas or under power lines. Plant them in full sun and water generously for the first few years to establish a healthy root system. Once established, honeylocusts are hardy and adaptable to various conditions.
2. Hot Wings Tatarian Maple
Botanical Name: Acer tataricum 'GarAnn' PP 15023
Zone: 3 - 8 (Learn more about hardiness zones!)
Height: 16' - 20'
Spread: 15' - 18'
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Soil Type: Can grow well in clay, loam, or sandy soil
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Multicolor, Red, Yellow
Bloom: Produces red samaras (winged seeds) in summer
Fruit: Does not produce edible fruit
Growth Rate: Medium
Hot Wings maple trees are striking, medium-sized deciduous trees known for their vibrant, red winged seed pods that emerge in spring, adding a unique splash of color to the landscape. The tree boasts glossy, green foliage that transforms to brilliant yellow and orange in the fall, creating a stunning seasonal display. To care for Hot Wings maples, plant them in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade, ensuring adequate space for their mature size. Water regularly during the first few years to establish a strong root system, but once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant. With proper care, Hot Wings maples thrive, offering beauty and shade for years to come.
3. Redmond Linden Tree
Botanical Name: Tilia americana 'Redmond'
Zone: 3-8 (Learn more about hardiness zones!)
Height: 40 – 60 feet
Spread: 25 – 30 feet
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Once established, they only need to be watered during prolonged dry spells. Somewhat drought tolerant.
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil. Prefers neutral soil pH.
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Foliage: Glossy green
Fall Color: Bright yellow
Bloom: Clusters of small, yellow, fragrant flowers in early summer
Fruit: Small nutlets in late summer
Growth Rate: Medium
Redmond Linden trees are known for their large, broad leaves that grow densely, providing excellent shade. The foliage is glossy green in summer and turns bright yellow in fall, complemented by clusters of fragrant yellow flowers early in summer and small dangling fruit later. These trees can grow quite large, so plan your space accordingly. Water consistently throughout the first year after planting to encourage strong root development. Once established, they are drought-resistant and only need occasional watering during extended dry periods. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, growing 1-2 feet per year until mature size is reached. While adaptable to various soils, they prefer moist, well-draining soil with a neutral pH.
4. Kentucky Coffee Tree
Botanical Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
Zone: 3-8 (Learn more about hardiness zones!)
Height: 60 – 75 feet
Spread: 40 – 50 feet
Sun: Full sun
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Bright yellow
Bloom: Fragrant white flowers
Fruit: Large brown seed pods
Growth Rate: Slow – medium
This tree is ideal for urban areas due to its high pollution tolerance and unique foliage that provides lovely, dappled shade in summer. In spring, it produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers, followed by leathery brown seed pods 5 to 10 inches long, adding winter interest. Low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and adaptable, these trees are perfect for shading homes and withstanding intense storms. Water generously during the first year to establish the root system. While they thrive in moist, well-draining soil, Kentucky coffee trees can adapt to various soil types. Once established, they are highly drought-tolerant and grow at a slow to moderate rate, with the fastest growth in the early years. Plant them in areas with full sun for at least six hours per day for optimal growth.
5. Northern Catalpa
Botanical Name: Catalpa speciosa
Zone: 4-8 (Learn more about hardiness zones!)
Height: 40 – 60 feet
Spread: 20 – 40 feet
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Once established, they only need to be watered during prolonged dry spells.
Soil Type: Alkaline, moist, well-draining
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Foliage: Medium green, very large heart-shaped leaves
Fall Color: Yellow-green
Bloom: White, fragrant, in large clusters
Fruit: Long, interesting seed pods persist through the winter
Growth Rate: Fast
This beautiful Midwest native features large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant white flower clusters. It produces long, narrow seed pods that add winter interest. While adaptable to various conditions, its weak wood and branches make it susceptible to weather damage. Northern catalpa trees grow quickly and thrive in full sun, though they can tolerate partial shade. Water thoroughly every week for the first year after planting, then water monthly if there is no natural precipitation. Catalpas adapt well to different soils, preferring slightly alkaline, moist, nutrient-rich, and well-draining conditions. Prune regularly for strong growth and consider spring fertilization to promote development.
6. Autumn Gold Maidenhair Tree
Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Zone: 4 - 9 (Learn more about hardiness zones!)
Height: 35' - 50'
Spread: 35' - 50'
Sun: Full sun. Tolerates partial shade.
Water: Once established, they only need to be watered during prolonged dry spells.
Soil Type: Can grow successfully in a wide variety of soil types.
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Golden Yellow
Bloom: Blooms in the spring. Flowers are small and discrete.
Fruit: Does not produce fruit
Growth Rate: Slow
Ginkgo biloba trees, often referred to as maidenhair trees, are a unique, ancient specimen celebrated for their stunning fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall. Known for their remarkable resilience, ginkgos can thrive in a variety of soil types and urban conditions, making them an excellent choice for city landscapes. To care for ginkgo trees, plant them in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade, ensuring they have ample space to grow, as they can reach heights of 50 feet or more. Water regularly during the first year to help establish their roots. Once mature, they are highly drought-tolerant. Minimal pruning is needed, primarily to maintain shape or remove any dead branches. With their striking appearance and adaptability, ginkgo biloba trees make a stunning addition to any garden or landscape.
How To Plant Shade Trees in Colorado
If you have questions about planting trees or the best timing for tree planting in Northern Colorado, our Tree & Shrub Planting Guide is here to assist you! This comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know, including watering schedules, proper staking techniques, fertilization tips, and the ideal planting times. If you still have questions after reviewing the guide, don't hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help! You can fill out our contact form or call us anytime. Ready to enhance your yard with shade trees? Visit our on-site Garden Center and Nursery today or browse our tree selection online!
Consult the Tree Experts at Bath Landscape Design!
Our landscape professionals at Bath Landscape and Irrigation are equipped with the knowledge and experience to guide homeowners in selecting the perfect trees for their outdoor living spaces. When you choose to work with us for your landscaping design and installation, you'll benefit from a wide range of options tailored to your needs. If you're simply looking to add a tree or two to your existing landscape, our on-site Garden Center and Nursery offers an excellent selection for you to choose from. Let us help you create the perfect outdoor oasis!