We may have many constraints when working in our gardens. You might have to work in urban areas, with limited sunlight, or low nutrients. We may need to look at specific plans that meet these standards.

A few trees are capable of both surviving in shade and having non-aggressive root systems. Florida maple trees are just a few examples. Pawpaws, English Holly, Pawpaws and miniature fruit trees are all good options. These trees have shallow roots, which don’t pose any problems underground.

Continue reading to find out why trees such as these are important, what the benefits are of planting shade-tolerant, non-aggressive trees and how you can plant them yourself.

Why Do You Need Shade Loving Trees?

Shade trees can be grown for a variety of reasons. These include easy growth, size management and the ability to grow in particular locations.

Growing shade trees is much easier than growing traditional trees. Shade trees need less sunlight and other living factors. This means that they can be more adaptable to their environment and require less care.

Shade trees also tend to grow slower and less efficiently as they don’t receive as much solar energy. Shade trees can be grown in small areas where it is possible to plant a smaller tree.

Shade-loving trees are a great option for gardeners who want to plant trees in places that receive less sunlight. This makes it possible to landscape in a variety of settings and create beautiful arrangements.

Why Do You Need Non-Aggressive Roots?

Similar to the question of liking shade, some may wonder, “Why do you need a tree that doesn’t have aggressive roots?”. These roots can be useful for growing in dense areas or maintaining safety around your area.

It is important to remember that Wyoming Ohio states that the looser the soil, the more roots will penetrate deeper.

It is important to remember that loose soil can cause damage to a structure.

You may have trees that are non-aggressive because they grow in smaller areas. You may need to plant more plants and allow them to co-exist in smaller spaces. However, plants and trees with strong roots may grow in these spaces and can choke out others.

You can, on the other hand plant trees with non-aggressive root systems in smaller areas. They can also share space, nutrients and water with roots from other plants.

Non-aggressive root systems are also beneficial for growing safety. Trees with aggressive roots can cause damage to nearby materials like siding and concrete basing, and could also create dangers such as large spreading roots. Non-aggressive trees offer a bit more security when planting trees close to buildings.

You may need to remove old tree roots. Read our article: Can Vinegar Get Rid Of Tree Roots. Here are some things to know.

Different Types Of Tree Roots

We need to talk about the different types of roots and whether they are aggressive when we look at “aggressive” and “nonaggressive” roots.

Thick Or Fibrous Roots

Many plants and trees have thick, fibrous root systems. These roots are often large and thick and can be difficult to cut. These can be quite docile depending on the tree. However, they are more aggressive.

Even if the tree is not aggressive with thick fibrous roots, they could still cause problems down the road. These roots can be difficult to manage as they grow over time.

Thin And Sprawling

Another type of root tree can have is thin and sprawling roots. These roots tend to be thinner than others, more tender and can spread over large areas.

These roots are not likely to become very large and require care.

Taproots

Trees and plants can both have taproots, which is a very interesting type of root. Taproots are roots which shoot straight down from the plant to very shallow depths. They can be quite aggressive depending on where you live.

These roots are also sensitive and can be easily damaged or injured if they grow up against large objects or other soil disturbances.

It depends on where you live to determine if taproot trees are right for your situation. Taproot trees are a good option if you live in an area with excellent soil that can penetrate deep (without any lower concrete or other building materials).

Taproot trees might not be the best option if there is a lot of construction material buried and lots of horizontal space.

Where Is The Best Place To Plant My Shade Loving Tree?

Your location will determine where you plant your shade-loving tree. However, there are some prime spots where they can thrive. These are some of the best places to plant your shade-loving trees:

• To the east or west side of your property
• These northern areas still have sufficient light
• Shaded locations

Shade trees thrive in shade, just like their name. They can grow in either more or less sunlight, but they prefer the middle ground.

Many recommend that you plant your shade trees on either the eastern or western sides of your property. These two sides get enough sun but also receive some shade during the day. Some even suggest that you try to grow on the north side of your property as they can get enough sun.

It is possible to plant your shade tree in places that are shaded by large trees. These are often the best places to plant them because they provide dappled, moderate-light under them. This allows you to create stunning landscaping even in areas with old-growth trees.

6 Shade Trees To Plant That Don’t Cause Root Problems

Keep in mind the reasons you might need shade-loving trees or non-aggressive ones. We can now look at specific trees that are shade-tolerant and nonaggressive.

You can also read this article: 12 Fastest-Growing Shade Trees for Small Yards.

Florida Maple Trees

Florida maple trees are trees which are native to the panhandle region of Florida. They are also part of the maple family and have easily identifiable leaves. Their lobes are a little more round than other maples.

These populations are very localized and are niched to the area. They may not succeed if they are located in areas with different climates.

Florida maple trees are wonderful because they don’t need full sun (though more sunlight should not be detrimental to them). They also have a less aggressive root system than other trees. This makes them easy to plant in areas that receive less sunlight.

Florida maples also have a unique aesthetic. They look like traditional maples but can thrive in less favorable locations. Florida maple trees are a great alternative to other maples for small-scale landscaping.

Pawpaw Trees

Another great addition to this list is the Pawpaw tree. They also produce fruit. Pawpaws are trees native to the Southern and Central United States, Canada. They are often found in larger forests, or near the edges of wild-growth areas.

Because they don’t need full sun, pawpaws make a great addition for your landscaping. It is not surprising that they produce large quantities of fruit. This requires some sun.

Pawpaws are also very sensitive and have small root systems which make them ideal for companion or landscape planting.

Pawpaw trees produce large yellow-brown fruits that have semi-tropical tastes.

If you’re looking for plants that can produce fruit, Pawpaws could be a great choice.

Pawpaw tree are also covered in detail in our article: 6 Best Trees With Shallow Roots: Identification Guide

English Holly

English holly can be found in many landscaping projects. It can grow beautiful, dense leaves in low-light areas.

Holly’s regional invasiveness is something to be aware of. The majority of hollies in America are considered invasive. They spread quickly and take over large areas of land. Although it is legal to plant hollies, you need to be careful when maintaining and planting them.

You can keep holly trees smaller than most other trees, and they don’t require as much soil or sunlight.

This is why you need to be careful when planting holly trees. You should also check with your local authorities to make sure they are legal.

Miniature Fruit Trees

Miniature fruit trees can be another option in low-light situations. They are also easy to grow and can produce delicious, homegrown fruit.

You may be limited to growing a few varieties of mini fruit trees depending on where you live. They still need sunlight. These trees can also produce less fruit if they are under too much shade.

Miniature fruit trees can be a great choice, since they have smaller root systems and are less aggressive than their larger counterparts in nature. They are often genetically chosen to grow in less-lit areas, because of their smaller stature.

Miniature fruit trees are a great addition for smaller areas of your landscaping where you might also want to grow fruit.

Chinese Pistache Trees

Chinese pistache trees are a member of the cashew or pistache family. It is a native of China and is often planted in walking areas because of its beautiful foliage and fruit production.

The Chinese pistache is a tree that produces long lancelets of simple, green leaves. These simple leaves turn a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, during winter and fall. You can also find unique coral-like flowers, which turn into clusters full of red fruits.

Temperate climates are not a problem for Pistache trees. They can also be used in smaller areas that receive less sunlight, making them very adaptable to different locations. These are just a few reasons why they are so popular in areas with temperate walking.

American Hornbeam

The American hornbeam is also known by the blue beech tree, ironwood, and musclewood tree. Because of its wood’s strength and density, it has earned many other names.

American hornbeams grow very high above the ground and produce beautiful, round leaves. It is also a deciduous species, which means that its leaves change all colors in fall and then drop each year, only to reappear in spring.

This tree is popular because of its classic shape and landscaping capabilities. It is semi-shade-tolerant and has simple, nonaggressive roots. This makes it an ideal tree for all your landscaping needs.

Maintaining Your Shade Trees

After we’ve discussed the reasons you might need shade trees and the types of shade trees that you can plant, it is now time to discuss how to care for them once they are planted.

Shade trees, like all trees, require periodic care in order to be healthy and happy.

Basic Needs

After planting shade trees, the first thing to remember is their basic needs. These basic needs include sun, water, and nutrients. The majority of trees need around 1 inch of water per day and 6 hours of sunlight.

Week and approximately 6 hours of sunlight

Most people agree that consistency is the most important thing. Many plants are able to adapt to different conditions and times. If you’re consistent with your watering and sunlight, your tree will be fine.

Your tree may also require nutrients. You can help your tree by adding nutrients to its soil. These Jobe’s Tree Fertilizer Spikes are a great example.

Periodical Care

Your tree may require special care in addition to regular watering and fertilizing. It is best to inspect your tree once a month for pests and damages. You can treat or trim dead or diseased trees after checking.

Conclusion:

There are many reasons to plant trees that can tolerate shade and have non-aggressive roots. These guidelines are met by a few trees, including the Florida maple and Pawpaw. There are also many miniature fruit trees that can be grown.

These trees should be maintained with regular pruning, watering, fertilizing and maintenance after they have been planted. The most important thing is to have fun. So get out there and plant!