When summer heat strikes in Vancouver, air conditioning often leads to higher Hydro bills. However, planting shade trees around your home provides natural cooling, cutting down on energy costs. Here are five shade trees that can flourish in the Pacific Northwest and can help you save on your Hydro bill.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Maple, with its vibrant fall colors and rapid growth, is a favored choice. Its broad canopy provides ample shade and, when wet, the bark turns a deep brown, creating a stunning fall contrast. Although native to the East Coast, it thrives in the Pacific Northwest climate.
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Northern Catalpa is known for its large heart-shaped leaves, beautiful white flowers, and long seed pods. It grows quickly, reaching up to 60 feet, thrives in various soil types and is shade-tolerant – perfect for our cloudy Vancouver winter. Its dense canopy provides excellent natural cooling.
Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Bigleaf Maple, a native tree, grows rapidly to heights of 50-100 feet. Its large leaves provide extensive shade and supports local ecosystems. The vibrant yellow fall foliage adds seasonal beauty, though it may require regular leaf cleanup.
Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia)
Oregon Ash, native to the Pacific Northwest, grows up to 80 feet. Its dense foliage offers significant shade, reducing cooling costs. Well-suited for wet soils, it supports local wildlife and requires regular pruning to maintain its shape.
Box Elder (Acer negundo)
Box Elder is a resilient, fast-growing maple reaching 30-50 feet. It offers broad shade and adapts to various soil conditions, including urban environments. While it supports wildlife, it may require maintenance to manage pests and growth.
Choosing Non-Invasive Trees
While prioritizing shade trees, selecting non-invasive species protects local ecosystems and supports local biodiversity. Eastern North American trees Red Maple, Eastern trees like Silver Maple and Tulip Trees are also excellent non-invasive choices for Vancouver’s environment.
Conclusion
Planting these fast-growing shade trees in Vancouver helps naturally cool your home, reduce your Hydro bills, and contributes to a greener city. For expert advice on trees specific to your property, reach out to Arbutus Tree Service.
For more ideas about shade trees check out Treehugger’s Guide to Fast-Growing Shade Trees
