It is possible to brighten up those shady spots in your landscape. It is all about proper plant selection, planting, and care.

Start by evaluating the sun and shade patterns in your gardens. Monitor the amount of sunlight different areas receive throughout the day and at various times of the year. You may be surprised the space gets more sunlight than you thought.

Make a list of plants you have successfully grown and those that failed in the shady location you are landscaping. Use this information to help you select other plants with similar light requirements. 

As always, select plants that thrive in your climate and tolerate the amount of sunlight, moisture, and soil in the proposed garden location. Look for plants that provide attractive foliage all season long and flowers at various times.

When planting under or near trees be careful not to kill the tree when creating your shade garden.  Plant a foot or more away from the tree trunk and don’t cut or remove surface roots that create entryways for insects and diseases. Dig as small as possible planting holes to avoid disturbing the roots and for easy planting. Avoid adding soil over the tree roots and against the trunk as this can lead to tree decline and even death. Skip deep cultivation that damages the roots, the majority of which grow within the top 18 inches of soil with 50% of them in the top six inches.

Add seasonal color and vertical interest with shade-tolerant annuals like impatiens, begonias, and coleus. Avoid damaging the tree roots by planting these in containers and setting the pots on the soil surface amongst perennial shade-tolerant groundcovers or on mulched beds under the trees.

Once you’ve planted your garden, adjust the care to compensate for the limited light conditions. Plants growing under large trees or overhangs must be watered more often, especially during the first year or two until the plants become established. The dense canopy of many trees and impervious overhangs prevent rainfall from reaching the ground below. Plus, the extensive root systems of trees and shrubs absorb much of the rainfall that does make it through, so check soil moisture several times a week and water thoroughly as needed.

Spread a layer of organic mulch over the soil surface and away from the tree trunk and crowns of the plants. Organic mulches help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as they decompose.

Tree and shrub roots also compete with plantings for nutrients. Use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer that promotes balanced above- and below-ground growth. Apply it at planting and early each spring as needed.

Avoid high nitrogen, quick-release fertilizer that promotes lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to insects and diseases. Plus, limited light is a potential plant stressor that can further increase the risk of problems. 

Sometimes there is just too much shade to grow even shade-loving plants. Consider mulching the area to suppress weeds, support the tree’s health and protect the soil. Then relax and enjoy the shade on hot sunny days.

Low-cost trees on sale now

The Minneapolis Health Department and Tree Trust are partnering to bring low cost trees to residents of Minneapolis.

The City Trees program is offering $30 trees now through Sept. 30.

Minneapolis residents and property owners can purchase up to three trees per address. Tree options include:

Shade

Fruit

Flowering

Evergreen

Trees (1)

Benefits of trees

Provide shade

Lower utility bills

Increase property value

Clean the air

Collect stormwater

Provide habitat for wildlife

Improve mental health and well-being

Ordering will close September 30th, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Trees are $30 each. You may purchase 3 trees per Minneapolis address. Trees must be planted in Minneapolis.

Trees will be available for pick-up on October 11th, October 12th, or October 13th at Jim Lupient Water Park, 1520 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

These trees do not come with a warranty. There are no refunds for trees that are not picked up during the designated time frame or for trees that die following removal from the pickup site.

Trees purchased through this sale MUST be planted on private property.

Contact 612-750-6840 or city_trees@treetrust.org for payment information.

Things to consider:

Large shade trees should be planted at least 15 feet from power lines and/or buildings.

Save money on energy by planting large shade trees on the east or west side of your home.

Evergreen trees are about 3-4 feet tall; Shade trees are about 5-8 feet tall.

Trees weigh approximately 20-40 pounds.

Businesses, non-profits, organizations, and 5+ unit property owners can also purchase $30 trees. Priority will be given to businesses that request five or more trees.

The cost includes:

A consultation with a landscaper to find the best trees for your property

Professional planting

Mulch and watering bags to assist in caring for the trees

 Submit an application before Sept. 15 to get trees planted this fall.

Since the program began in 2006, the City Trees program has provided more than 20,000 low-cost trees for planting on private property, with 7,500 of those trees distributed in the last five years.