Creating Shade and Beauty: Must-Have Trees for Your Central Oregon Landscape
We know how important it is to find the right tree for your yard — especially here in Central Oregon, where the summers get hot and the winters can be tough. A great shade tree doesn’t just cool down your outdoor space; it brings beauty, character, and even a little magic to your landscape.
Why Plant a Shade Tree?
Shade trees do more than just look beautiful — they’re a smart, sustainable investment in your yard. Here’s why:
Cool your home and yard naturally: A strategically placed shade tree can reduce your home’s air temperature by up to 20°F, cutting cooling costs and making outdoor spaces much more comfortable.
Protect outdoor living spaces: Create cooler, more enjoyable patios, lawns, and garden areas — perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Improve property value: A well-placed, mature tree can increase your home’s curb appeal and overall value.
Support local wildlife: Many shade trees offer habitat and food for birds, bees, and beneficial insects.
Beautify through the seasons: From lush green canopies in summer to fiery fall color, a good shade tree adds year-round charm.
Where (and how close) to plant shade trees:
Distance from your home: Ideally, plant shade trees 15–20 feet away from your house to allow for root growth and canopy spread while still providing effective cooling.
South and west sides are best: These are the sunniest sides of most homes and benefit most from cooling shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Mind overhead lines and underground utilities: Always call before you dig, and avoid planting under power lines if the tree will grow tall.
Think long-term spacing: Give trees enough room to grow to their full size without crowding other plants or structures.
We’re excited to share some of our favorite shade trees we have in stock right now — trees that thrive in our unique climate and will help you create that cool, inviting spot for afternoon relaxing, family gatherings, or just soaking in the sunshine (but with a little protection).
1. Acer ‘Autumn Flame’ & ‘October Glory’
These maples are true showstoppers when the leaves start turning. They offer that perfect dappled shade during the summer and explode into vibrant reds and oranges in the fall. Both handle our climate well and add that seasonal wow factor every year.
2. Freeman Maple
The Freeman maple is a hardworking beauty. It’s a hybrid that grows strong and fast, handling our dry summers better than many other maples. Its broad canopy gives you plenty of shade, and in fall, it treats you to a mix of golds and reds that really light up the landscape.
3. Clump River Birch
We love the river birch for its lovely, textured bark and graceful form. The clumping habit adds a softness to any yard, and it’s drought-tolerant enough to handle our summers without a fuss. It offers shade that’s just enough to cool things down while letting light peek through.
4. Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’ (Honey Locust)
Looking for shade that’s light and airy? The ‘Shademaster’ honey locust is a fantastic choice. Its delicate, fern-like leaves create beautiful, filtered shade, and it’s drought-tolerant and fast-growing—perfect for Central Oregon’s conditions.
Other Shade Tree Options We’re Loving Right Now:
Purple Robe Locust
Ornamental Crabapple
Prunus ‘Canadian Red Select’ (we have several Prunus species)
Mountain Ash
Bonus: Now’s the perfect time to plant!
From now through the end of July all shade trees are Buy One, Get One of equal or lesser value for 50% off. That means more shade, more beauty, and more savings — just in time for the heat of summer.
Stop by soon and let us help you pick out your favorites — your future self (and your utility bill) will thank you.