How do I know if I need shade for my trees?

TreeBay

Most bonsai are hardy trees and shrubs that can withstand exposure to the elements year round. Sometimes, however, we like to grow plants that are adapted to a slightly different climate, and some of these need special care in the form of winter protection or perhaps shade cover during the hotter months.

This article addresses the addition of shade protection to your bonsai growing area. Please keep in mind that this is not required for all growing areas, nor for all types of plants. In hot, dry climates, however, it is indispensible. Many plants can tolerate full sun, but the combined effects of hot drying winds, and the confines of a bonsai container can push soil temperatures into the danger zone.

Plants grown in the ground can often tolerate a higher amount of sun

• their foliage does a good job of shading their roots
• the ground is a natural "heat sink" and will have a lower
  temperature than the bonsai pot.
• roots are not confined in an area close to the soil surface
• The tree can find more water to drink.

Whether you need some partial shade will depend on the following:

• Your climate
• Your latitude
• Species of trees you intend to grow,
• How frequently you are able to water and look after your
  trees.

SPECIES

Understory shrubs and trees enjoy a bit of shade year round. Plants like azaleas, dogwoods, Winter Hazel, Birch, Beech and maple enjoy a bit more shading and higher humidity environs than sun-loving trees like pine and juniper.

Here are some guidelines for shading:

1. Make it removable!

Shading should be removable so you can take it away in winter and fall when the sun's rays are less direct. You can accomplish this by using shade cloth or removable lattice panels.

2. Materials

The fiberglass shade screen is attractive and rolls up well. It has a life of 5-6 years as a roll shade, longer as a fixed panel.

Knitted plastic shades are popular because of their light weight and easy handling. They do roll up easily and do not ravel when cut to size. Life of the material is 5-10 years.

Black or green polypropylene is very durable (lasting 8-15 years) and is available in a wide range of densities. The dark green lath-weaving pattern is more attractive for residential applications. This material does not roll up easily.

Reflective (foil ribbon) shading is recommended where exposure to sun and heat is very high. Life of 3-5 years.

3. Density

A density number is the percentage of light blocked by the shade. The following can be used as a general guide:

0% - Sun loving plants like juniper and pine
15-30% - Japanese Maple, Dogwood, Beech
50% - Azaleas
55% - Orchids
60% - Rhododendron
70% - Dracaena, Philodendron
75% - Palms, Chinese Evergreen

Experience has shown that 40 to 60% density is satisfactory in temperate zones, with the higher densities of 70 and 80%, and reflective shading, used in the Southern states. Consider using a high-density shade on the roof, and a lower density shade on the walls. A Light Meter is a valuable tool in determining the proper amount of shading.

4. Shade Installation

The easiest method is to drape the shade over a framework or support structure and secure it with lines through grommet clips that snap onto the edges of the shade.

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