The Best Trees to Plant for Shade, Privacy, and Beauty

By Jimmy – Professional Landscaper
When you step into a beautiful garden, the most captivating element is often the trees. Whether you’re after lush shade, year-round privacy, or a stunning display of color, choosing the right tree for your landscape can completely transform your outdoor space. As a professional landscaper, I’ve seen firsthand how carefully selected trees bring comfort, style, and value to any property.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the best trees to plant for shade, privacy, and beauty—plus some insider tips to ensure they thrive for years to come.
Why Trees Matter in the Landscape
Trees are much more than just green backdrops. They offer vital environmental benefits by cooling our yards, supporting wildlife, and improving air quality. In urban settings, they act as natural air conditioners, lower noise, and even increase property values. But for homeowners, trees provide three primary landscaping functions:
- Shade: Creating cool retreats in the hottest months.
- Privacy: Screening out neighbors or unsightly views.
- Beauty: Adding interest with foliage, flowers, and seasonal changes.
The trick is to choose the right species for your location, climate, and landscape goals.
The Best Trees for Shade
1. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
With its spectacular purple blooms in late spring and delicate, fern-like foliage, the Jacaranda is a favourite across Australia. Its broad, spreading canopy provides excellent shade, making it ideal for large backyards and street plantings.
2. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
Fast-growing and drought-tolerant, the Chinese Elm offers dense, cool shade through its wide, arching branches. Its attractive bark and lush green leaves make it a top choice for suburban gardens.
3. Lilly Pilly (Syzygium smithii and cultivars)
While often grown as a hedge, Lilly Pillies can develop into small, shady trees. Their evergreen foliage and fluffy white flowers followed by colourful berries bring year-round interest to your garden.
4. Plane Tree (Platanus x acerifolia)
Commonly used in parks and along boulevards, Plane Trees offer a broad canopy and are well-suited to larger properties. Their resilience to pollution and urban stress makes them a reliable shade option.
The Best Trees for Privacy
1. Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ (Magnolia grandiflora)
This compact evergreen magnolia is perfect for creating privacy screens. Its glossy leaves and large white flowers provide both a barrier and a beautiful garden focal point.
2. Photinia (Photinia robusta)
A fast-growing evergreen with striking red new growth, Photinia makes an excellent screening tree. Plant them close together for a dense hedge that provides both privacy and colour.
3. Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis)
Ideal for smaller spaces, the Bay Tree is easy to shape and maintain as a tall hedge or small tree. It also gives you fragrant leaves for cooking!
4. Water Gum (Tristaniopsis laurina)
Native to Australia, the Water Gum is a hardy, evergreen tree with attractive bark and shiny leaves. It’s well-suited for privacy planting along boundaries.
The Best Trees for Beauty
1. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Known for its stunning summer flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white, Crepe Myrtle also boasts beautiful bark and autumn foliage. It’s a show-stopper in any garden.
2. Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia)
One of Australia’s most striking native trees, the Flowering Gum dazzles with bold red, orange, or pink blooms that attract birds and pollinators.
3. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Loved for its delicate, lacy leaves and vibrant autumn colours, the Japanese Maple is perfect for small gardens or as a focal point in shaded areas.
4. Golden Robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’)
This tree’s lime-green foliage turns a brilliant gold, creating a stunning contrast in any garden. It’s also fast-growing and hardy.
Tips for Planting and Growing Healthy Trees
- Pick the Right Spot: Consider the mature size of your chosen tree and ensure it has enough space—above and below ground.
- Prepare the Soil: Good soil is essential for healthy roots. Enrich the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Mulch and Water: Keep young trees well-watered and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Feed for Growth: Support robust growth and vibrant foliage with organic fertilizers for plants. These not only nourish your trees naturally but also improve soil health and reduce chemical run-off, which is better for the environment and your garden’s ecosystem.
Creating Your Ideal Garden Retreat
Adding the right tree can change the feel of your whole garden—whether you want a cool, shady spot to relax, a leafy green screen for privacy, or a burst of seasonal colour that draws the eye. As with all landscaping, a little planning goes a long way. Think about what you want from your outdoor space and choose trees that suit your climate, soil, and lifestyle.…