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Non-Deciduous Trees That Have Great Coverage

Most people think of deciduous trees when they think of shade trees -- trees like maples or aspens. The downfall of these trees is that they lose their leaves in the fall. Non-deciduous trees, on the other hand, retain their foliage during the winter months, although some lose their leaves in the spring when new growth forces out the old. These trees are also called evergreens, and many have great coverage.

  1. Cold-Hardy to Zone 7

    • The live oak (Quercus virginiana) is a fast-growing species with a canopy that can reach 80 feet in width. Usually wider than it is tall, it has great coverage and only loses its leaves when new ones replace them, which means it provides shade almost year-round. The live oak grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. The Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is best know for its bold, beautiful blooms, but the equally striking evergreen leaves and broad canopy -- which can reach widths of 50 feet -- make it an excellent shade tree. Magnolia grandiflora is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9.

    Sub-Tropical Selections

    • Ficus microcarpa nitida, or the Indian laurel fig, has a wide canopy that spreads to between 50 and 80 feet. The leaves are small and packed closely together, creating a dense profile that casts a lot of shade. These evergreen trees can become very large and thrive in USDA zones 9 through 11. Rhus lancea, or the African sumac, is another evergreen shade tree suitable for warmer climates. It grows best in USDA zones 8 through 10 and features small, dense foliage similar to the Indian laurel. This tree is a bit smaller, however, with maximum heights and widths of about 25 feet.

    Desert-Hardy Choices

    • The blue-leaf wattle (Acacia saligna) is an excellent choice for desert landscapes as it can tolerate the hot desert sun, according to Arizona State University. Hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, this evergreen shade tree blooms with masses of yellow flowers in the spring and has a spread wider than its average height of between 20 and 30 feet. The California pepper tree (Schinus molle) is known for its tolerance of drought conditions, weeping branches and the expansive shade it produces. Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, it thrives in full sun and reaches maximum heights and widths of about 40 feet.

    Unusual Choices

    • Many people do not immediately think of holly when they think of evergreen shade trees, but the American holly tree (Ilex opaca) is a good choice for home gardeners who live in USDA zones 5 through 9. Not only is it cold-hardy, but the attractive red berries liven up any winter landscape, and its spread of 20 feet casts a wide shadow. Rhododendrons are usually grown as shrubs, but many are so large they are called "tree rhododendrons." One such species is Rhododendron catawbiense, which features masses of huge, vibrantly purple flowers and broad, evergreen leaves. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. Although it grows to only 8 feet wide, it is an excellent choice for home gardeners who want a showy plant that will still cast shade in small spaces.

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Trees
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  4. Backyard Shade Solutions
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