Screen Planting for Shade

Trees

• Choose evergreen varieties for screen planting to achieve privacy and shade year-round. Deciduous trees lose their leaves every year and are a good choice for areas that don't need shade or privacy in the colder weather. A row of cypress gives shade all year and works as a wind-break. A line of birch loses leaves in the fall, making a vacation home more visible and less attractive to burglars in the off-season.

Shrubs, Hedges and Bamboo

• Use thick plants such as boxwood hedge or bamboo in rows for yard screening. Depending on your climate zone, there are various hardy choices that will set off a seating area and increase privacy and shade. Plant so that the plants will grow tall between the seating area or flower bed and the sun's path at midday. For variety, plant the hedge in a curved shape rather than a straight line. Maximize the space in a small yard by planting just inside the property line (far enough in to allow for growth without infringing on neighbors). A sturdy hedge offers a fence alternative.

Vines, Container Plants

• Set up yard shading with a lattice fence or trellis and add climbing vines such as passion flower, jasmine or ivy. According to Jill MacKenzie of the University of Minesota Extension, "All the twining vines except honeysuckle twist up around supports from left to right...train the vine in the direction it naturally grows or it will fall back off the support." Check prospective plants for compatibility with your climate zone. An easy shortcut is to walk the neighborhood and see what grows well and provides a look that you like. Also consider care needs of the plants. Some vines will need to have their roots kept cool with mulch. Look into drought-resistant varieties in hot areas and frost-tolerant plants where the winters freeze. Container plants allow the option of creating a shade screen during spring and summer, then moving the plants to shelter (a greenhouse or indoors) for the winter.