Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

deciduous shade trees

Deciduous shade trees are a popular choice for New Zealand gardens, parks, and streetscapes. Their broad canopies provide cooling shade in summer while allowing sunlight to filter through in winter when their leaves fall, creating a dynamic, ever-changing landscape. With benefits that range from improving air quality and reducing energy costs to supporting local wildlife, deciduous shade trees are the perfect solution for homeowners looking to balance beauty, function, and sustainability in their outdoor spaces.

tilia-europaea-3

Tilia europaea

Tilia europaea (Linden Tree) is a majestic deciduous shade tree admired for its broad canopy, heart shaped green leaves, fragrant summer flowers, and brilliant golden autumn colour. It provides outstanding year round interest while attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators.

From $383.29

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
tilia-cordata-1

Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale yellow flowers in summer. It develops into an impressive shade tree with attractive golden autumn foliage, making it ideal for avenues, parks, and large gardens.

From $515.35

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

From$515.35
Platanus 'Autumn Glory' trees in bags at a plant nursery.
Platanus 'Autumn Glory'

Platanus 'Autumn Glory' is a large, deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its striking foliage and impressive stature. This cultivar of the Oriental...

From$387.55
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

From$387.55
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
acer-platanoides-4
Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
zelkova-serrata-
Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata is an impressive deciduous tree valued for its graceful branching, attractive green foliage, and colourful autumn display. The finely...

From$323.65
nyssa-sinensis-6
Nyssa sinensis

Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its graceful form, glossy green foliage, and spectacular autumn colour. As...

From$404.59
acer-red-sunset-2
Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

From$399.95
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
Acer 'Asahi Zuru' green and white variegated foliage.
Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its delicate, variegated leaves that blend pink, white, and green tones. In autumn, the...

From$24.95
Acer 'Armstrong' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Armstrong'

Acer 'Armstrong' is a distinctive Maple grown for its narrow, upright growth habit and fabulous autumn colours. This fast-growing tree produces a...

From$299.95
fraxinus-green-glow-
Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King' is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, creamy white spring flowers, brilliant...

From$387.55
almond-all-in-one-2
Almond All in One

'All-In-One' Almond Tree is a highly popular self fertile almond variety valued for its attractive spring blossoms and reliable crops of sweet edible...

From$404.59
Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$270.40
quercus-ellipsoidalis-3
Quercus ellipsoidalis

Quercus ellipsoidalis (Northern Pin Oak) is a hardy deciduous oak valued for its strong upright form, glossy green foliage, and brilliant red to...

From$270.40
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$515.35
carpinus-betulus-4
Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$192.51
apricot-trevatt-4
Apricot Trevatt

Apricot 'Trevatt' is a popular apricot tree valued for its delicious sweet fruit and attractive spring blossom display. This deciduous fruit tree...

From$404.59
A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'

Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.
Magnolia 'Star Wars'

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

From$387.55
magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2
Magnolia 'Charles Raffill'

Magnolia 'Charles Raffill' is an impressive deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring flowers and handsome garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.
Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$14.95
prunus-blireiana-
Prunus blireiana

Prunus 'Blireiana' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant double pink blossoms and colourful foliage. Masses of fragrant...

From$515.35
Tilia europaea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Fraxinus, and Melia, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, and Maple Tree.

Search deciduous shade trees

Benefits of Deciduous Shade Trees

Choosing deciduous shade trees for your property delivers a host of advantages. In addition to creating a comfortable spot for summer relaxation or play, these trees help regulate temperatures around the home by blocking sunlight during the hottest months and letting warmth in during the cooler ones. Their seasonal leaf drop enriches the soil, adding valuable organic matter, while their flowers and seeds provide food for birds and beneficial pollinators. Whether you're planting a single feature specimen or establishing a leafy avenue, deciduous shade trees offer a timeless appeal.

Top Deciduous Shade Tree Varieties for New Zealand

There are many exceptional varieties suited to New Zealand’s climate and soils. Some of the most reliable and striking choices include:

Planting and Caring for Your Deciduous Shade Trees

For the healthiest, most vigorous trees, select a sunny location with well-drained soil. Allow plenty of space for each tree to reach its mature size, both below and above ground. Regular watering during the first few years is essential, along with mulching to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Once established, most deciduous shade trees require minimal maintenance—an annual prune to remove dead or crowded branches will keep their structure strong and beautiful.

Enhance Your Garden with Deciduous Shade Trees

Introduce structure, beauty, and comfort to your landscape with deciduous shade trees. Whether your focus is on cooling shade, autumn colour, or wildlife habitat, these versatile trees will reward you for generations. Explore our wide selection—including Koelreuteria paniculata, Fraxinus excelsior, Aesculus hippocastanum, Platanus acerifolia, and Acer platanoides—and plant the foundations of a shady, relaxing retreat today.

Contact us

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Our garden favourites Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous', Rose Albertine, and Quercus rubra.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews