Beat the Heat: The Best Shade Trees to Plant for a Cooler Yard Next Summer

Sunny days are often a welcome sight, but sometimes, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Hours of relentless rays make it tough to enjoy your yard to its fullest, and with no shade to shield against them, everything from sunburn to scorched grass can ensue.

Planting new trees is a simple solution, as long as you choose the right species.

What Is the Best Tree for Shade?

When it comes to throwing shade, oaks reign supreme. From their stability to their sprawling crowns, these trees are considered the quintessential backyard beauties for a reason. But while the live oak is among the best-loved shade trees for homes in Georgia, they do require ample space to spread. In ideal conditions, their canopy can reach a staggering circumference of 120 feet.

Indeed, live oaks look gorgeous adorning lawns with ample acreage. If your lot doesn’t stretch quite that far, consider alternatives with less overwhelming reach. For example, fast-growing varieties like the Nuttall oak and the scarlet oak will expand to 40 feet at maturity.

Four Other Top Shade Trees to Consider

Oaks aren’t the only option for blanketing your backyard in tranquil shadows. Here are a few other species to consider, all of which are ideal for southeastern growing conditions.  

Weeping Willow

One of the most instantly recognizable tree species of all time, the weeping willow often springs to mind when we envision peaceful afternoons ensconced in cool shade. Just know that if you plant one, its waterfall branches should be pruned regularly to maintain their iconic shape and sway. An alternative option is the willow oak, a fast-growing deciduous tree that bears a resemblance to the weeping willow and takes on beautiful yellow and orange hues each autumn.

American Sycamore

The largest deciduous trees in the Eastern U.S., American sycamores offer plenty of cool shade from their soaring heights, which can reach up to 100 feet. With their ability to grow more than two feet per year, it won’t be long before you’re sipping lemonade beneath a leafy canopy, or perhaps lounging in a hammock suspended between two trunks. But with this rapid ascent comes the need for proactive pruning, which can direct new growth and eliminate problem limbs.

Silver Maple

If you’re seeking shade sooner rather than later, the silver maple is a species worth considering. These trees grow even faster than the Sycamore—up to seven feet per year! Their accelerated growth has even garnered interest among researchers, as it makes the maples a potential biofuel source. With attractive fall foliage, they’re also a popular ornamental option and one of the most common species across U.S. landscapes.

Tupelo

Finding the right tree to withstand wet soil can be difficult. If your yard is low-lying and tends to retain water, you can still find shady relief in the form of the tupelo. Historically known as the “swamp tree,” this member of the dogwood family has simple leaves that produce stunning scarlets in the fall. If you’re a fan of local honey, consider planting a variety of tupelos together to attract bees in the late spring.

Schedule a Consultation With Premier Tree Solutions

Shady trees perform best when they’re cared for properly. Whether you need help hand-pruning your saplings as they grow or you’re seeking trimming services for mature trees, Premier Tree Solutions can help. Contact us today for a free assessment: call 404.252.6448 or send us a message online.

Summer Storm Tree Prep for Homeowners

For homeowners along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, summertime isn’t just about barbecues and beach days. Unfortunately, it also comes with the very real threat of severe storms, with the typical hurricane season spanning from June through November. 

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts the season will bring above-average storm activity. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to start safeguarding your home and property against the threat of ferocious winds, flooding, and other devastating impacts.

How Do I Prepare My House for Summer Storms?

Strengthen Your Structure

Any vulnerabilities in your home’s structure become major risks when driving rains and hurricane-force winds emerge. With that in mind, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect your house against Mother Nature: think roof repairs to address loose shingles, storm shutters for windows and doors, and plywood for reinforcement, if needed.

Be Proactive About Flooding

Even if your home isn’t officially in a flood zone, your storm prep should include steps to mitigate monumental rainfall (which can accumulate quickly during surges). Homes with basements or other low-lying areas might benefit from sump pump installations to move water in the event of flooding. Many municipalities also offer sandbags, which can be placed outside doorways and other cracks to keep floodwater out. Don’t forget the simple but important task of cleaning your gutters and downspouts so rainwater has a clear path to drain.

Prepare for Power Outages and Emergencies

Generators can be a tremendous help for keeping your refrigerator running or your home cool during power outages, but don’t wait until a storm is forecasted if you plan on purchasing one. Refresh yourself on how to use it, too: Improper use and placement can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, a leading cause of many storm-related deaths.

Each hurricane season, you should also create or replenish your emergency kit. Include flashlights, batteries, non-perishable foods, bottled water, first aid supplies, and medications for at least several days. When severe storms are in the forecast, consider having a go bag ready with evacuation essentials for every family member (pets included).

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Homeowner’s insurance policies don’t always cover storm damage. Depending on your policy, you may need to purchase additional coverage for wind damage and flooding. Because many contracts take days or even weeks to go into effect, review your terms as an utmost priority.

Get Your Yard Ready

Although hurricanes can’t be prevented, some of the damage they bring can be reduced with proper planning. Trees, in particular, are often behind some of the most devastating effects of severe storms. From collapsed roofs to downed fences, damaged vehicles, and blocked roadways, fallen limbs and branches can have dangerous and costly repercussions. That brings us to a question we encounter often: Should you trim trees before a hurricane, or is it better to wait until after the storm to address damage as needed?

As tree care specialists in a storm-prone region, we can’t recommend proactive tree trimming enough. Here’s why: Trees that are pruned properly sustain less damage than those that are unpruned or improperly trimmed. And storms are only getting more severe, not to mention costly, even for insured homeowners. In 2024, Hurricanes Milton and Helene resulted in more than $229 billion in damages together. In addition to the steps above, professional summer storm tree prep is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies you can pursue to protect life and property before a hurricane.

Schedule a Service With Premier Tree Solutions

While Premier Tree Solutions is always here for storm damage assistance and cleanup services, preventive tree trimming is the safest option. Get your property hurricane-ready by calling 404.252.6448 or by sending us a message online.