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best tree to plant near house for shade

When it comes to creating a cool, inviting outdoor space, choosing the best tree to plant near house for shade is essential for both comfort and long-term property value. In New Zealand, where summer sun can be harsh, a thoughtfully placed shade tree helps lower indoor temperatures, protect your garden, and create a beautiful landscape feature. But what makes the best tree for this purpose? Considerations include size at maturity, root habits (to avoid damage to foundations and pipes), leaf density for maximum shade, and suitability for your local climate.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

5 from 3 customers

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely clothed with short, light green, needle-like leaves. A mature tree has a broad crown and eventually reaches a height of 25 m and a width of 10 m, with leaves that are now short and sharp. Dacrydium cupressinum is suited to revegetation plantings or for growing as a specimen in a large garden or park.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Native, Riparian
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and fragrant, lilac-coloured spring flowers. Reaching 6–12 metres tall, it produces clusters of yellow berries in autumn and provides excellent summer shade. Hardy and tolerant of dry conditions, it grows well in most parts of New Zealand. Ideal for larger gardens, parks, or shelterbelts, this ornamental tree adds seasonal interest and structure to any landscape.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

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Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

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Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

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Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

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Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree)

Cassia John Ball, commonly known as the Buttercup Tree or Cassia Plant, is a large and colourful, deciduous shrub. It becomes enshrined by masses of...

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Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$358.98
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Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

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A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.

Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

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A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

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Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

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A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

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Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

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These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aechmea, Beilschmiedia, Bergenia, Carex, Cassia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Crassula, Dacrydium, Helichrysum, Lagerstroemia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Mint, Monstera, Orange, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Stromanthe and Ulmus, or related Categories - Moss Poles, Orange Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search best tree to plant near house for shade

Key Features of Shade Trees for Homes

Selecting the best tree to plant near house for shade means finding species with a broad canopy, moderate to fast growth, and non-invasive roots. Deciduous varieties offer summer shade and allow winter sunlight to filter through, while evergreens provide year-round cooling and privacy. In addition to shade, these trees can reduce energy bills and create a peaceful retreat outside your window.

Top Choices for Shade Near Your Home

Several trees stand out as superior options for shading your house in New Zealand’s conditions:

1. Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree) is renowned for its wide-reaching, leafy canopy and moderate growth rate, making it an excellent option when searching for the best tree to plant near house for shade. Its elegant foliage casts dappled shade, while fragrant flowers add seasonal interest. This tree is hardy across much of New Zealand and adapts well to urban landscapes.

2. Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

With its bright yellow-green spring foliage and lush, spreading shape, the Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree) brings both beauty and practical cooling. Rapidly forming a sizable canopy, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking vibrant seasonal colour alongside deep shade.

3. Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

If you favour native species, consider the Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree). This beloved New Zealand native matures into a stately shade provider, and its elegant, drooping branches create a cooling microclimate for gardens and patios. Its non-invasive roots make it suitable for planting near houses if given adequate space.

4. Ornamental and Smaller Options

For smaller gardens, the Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) adapts well to both indoor-outdoor environments and offers lush, attractive foliage. If you want to complement your shade tree with textural contrast at ground level, Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant) provides an elegant, low-maintenance border.

Planting Tips for Success

When planting the best tree to plant near house for shade, give careful thought to positioning—generally, the north and west sides of the home benefit most from new shade trees. Ensure there’s sufficient distance from your foundation for mature root growth and prune regularly for a healthy, safe structure.

By choosing the best tree to plant near house for shade, you’ll enjoy a cooler home, energy savings, and a stunning garden centrepiece for years to come. Visit our collection to find the perfect tree for your property’s needs.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

It’s easy to pick Azalea Pink Ice and Lomandra 'Tanika', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Liquidambar 'Little Richard', Prunus Mountain Haze, and Photinia Super Red (Red Robin).
–The Plant Company

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