How To Use Understory Trees in Your Landscape
What to Know About Understory Trees
“Under” Achievers in the Canopy
Our tree canopy isn’t limited to mature trees that tower over us, our homes and our streets. In nature, a forest makes efficient use of vertical space, filling an area from the ground up with trees and plants of various ages and heights. The tallest trees, those over 50 feet, reach up toward the sky and get the most sunlight. Understory trees are shade tolerant species, about 15 to 50 feet in height, that grow under the crowns of larger trees.
Sweetbay Magnolia
A mixture of tree sizes is important to the health and stability of a forest; for similar reasons, different kinds of trees are important in our yards and neighborhoods. While large canopy trees provide many benefits, such as controlling stormwater runoff and casting broad areas of shade, understory trees can also contribute to an ecosystem by providing food and shelter for small animals, birds and insects. For example, some birds only nest in understory trees, and without those types of trees, those birds won’t visit the area. Therefore, they won’t have the opportunity to play their part in insect population control or plant distribution in that location.
Merlot Redbud
Planting Understory Trees
Understory trees thrive when there are taller trees around to provide shade, although not all understory trees are completely sun intolerant. Plantings in our yards should mimic nature when possible, so a mixture of taller and shorter trees will yield the best results. Understory trees, in combination with shrubs and ground covers, can also help to improve soil quality and the overall viability of your landscape.
Pagoda Dogwood
When planting a tree, location is everything. Placing an understory tree where you want it to be seen, cast shade or add privacy to a window or part of your yard are important factors to consider. Large canopy trees, those that grow taller than 50 feet, should be planted far enough from homes so that they won’t cause damage if a branch or the trunk breaks. On the other hand, understory trees don’t pose the same risks since they’re shorter and lighter, so they can be planted much closer to a house. When in doubt, consulting a certified arborist or landscape architect when you’re planning your yard will help you make the best placement decisions.
Japanese Maple Emperor
Selecting the Right Understory Tree for Your Yard
Your intention for the tree will define which species is best for your landscape.
Shade - If you’re looking for an understory tree that will provide some shade, consider shorter trees with dense foliage, such as the Natchez Crape Myrtle, Merlot Redbud or Paw Paw.
Privacy - Planting to create a year-round screen calls for an evergreen, like the native Eastern Red Cedar or American Holly.
Aesthetics - Of course, all trees are beautiful (if you ask us), but understory trees are truly the scene-stealers when it comes to adding a splash of color and style to your yard. The flowering and non-flowering choices include Japanese Maples, which feature vibrant foliage and distinct leaf shapes, and Forest Pansy Redbuds, which have both burgundy-colored leaves and pink spring blossoms. Tuscarora Crape Myrtle, Flowering Dogwood, and Yoshino Cherry trees flower in various pinks, while a native Sweetbay Magnolia will show off with gentle white flowers.
Habitat - Including native plants and trees in your yard helps promote local ecology, serving as a habitat for butterflies, moths and caterpillars, all important food sources for wildlife, including birds who also live in those trees. A Dwarf Red Bottlebrush Buckeye attracts hummingbirds and does well in shaded areas. A Pagoda Dogwood is a good choice to house pollinators.
All the trees featured here are available in NTCC’s Farm-to-Yard Tree Sale, which cuts out the retail markup and lowers the purchase price for buyers. Place your order now to ensure delivery in the fall — the best time to plant a tree in Nashville!
Dwarf Red Bottlebush Buckeye
Make sure not to plant your trees too deeply, don’t overwater them, and protect the trees as they grow. Having a local arborist trim your trees every year or two will keep them in the best health and better able to perform their functions. To learn more about canopy care and stay up to date with local tree news, sign up for our newsletter!