Top 5 reasons to plant shade trees now

Shade is key in this Las Vegas desert if you want to enjoy the outdoors during the hot, sunny days. But there are more reasons to why shade trees are important than just shade. Here are our top reasons to plant shade trees now!

1. Save on Your Utilities by Properly Planting a Tree-Most of us have air conditioning in order to survive in this desert heat. Did you know it’s possible to reduce the cost of air conditioning use by up to 50 percent? We just need to plant a few trees strategically around our homes to create natural coolness. Ask a Moon Valley nursery pro on the proper places to plant shade trees to cut your utility costs, and start saving!

2. Trees Block Unwanted Things and Create Privacy-Trees are perfect for creating privacy from neighbors. Planting trees around our homes can also block out wind and dust that can cover everything. They can also be used as sound barriers, blocking out noise from busy streets. Is the view from your yard unsightly? Shade trees can be used to conceal unwanted views such as parking lots and give a pleasing focal point.

3. Trees Increase Property Value-A simple and easy investment – create a beautiful and well-designed landscape. By doing this, we can increase the property value of our homes by as much as 15 percent. Who wouldn’t want that?

4. Trees Mark the Seasons-There’s nothing like watching the seasons change. And this is never truer than the changes in our trees throughout the seasons. Shade trees provide gorgeous fall colors of reds and oranges, then in the spring and summer, we can have vibrant greens. And, with certain trees, we get pop of colors on those that bloom beautiful flowers. Add a bit of color and variety to your yard!

5. Trees Create Cooler Environments-Average temperatures have risen a few degrees over the last 50 or so years. There has been an increase in the development of roads and buildings which are heat-absorbent, and a decline in tree coverage and planting. By planting trees, we can help cool our environments by creating shade for our homes and streets. Let’s add a little more nature back into our environment!

At Moon Valley Nurseries, we only custom grow from our premium quality specimens on our own local farms. And since we grow locally, our trees will thrive in Nevada. Below are some of our favorite shade trees for Las Vegas.

Tipu (Tipuana tipu) –Tipu trees thrive in intense desert heat and in full sun exposure, ideal for the Nevada environment. It gives year-round interest with its feathery, bright bluish-green foliage and golden blooms. Tipuana tipu are fast-growing, semi-evergreen that are drought tolerant once established. It is a versatile tree that is perfect as a street or lawn tree and around a patio or walkway.

Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) – Live Oaks have dense, dark green leaves that make up the large, wide canopy that provides massive amounts of shade. Also known as “Southern Live Oak,” these trees are drought tolerant and require low water. This mighty oak is a shade tree that the whole family can enjoy with limbs that are perfect for climbing!

Evergreen Ash (Fraxinus udhei) –  Also known as Shamel Ash trees, these water-wise trees have the classic park-style look. They have thick trunks with full canopies of long, glossy, dark green leaves. Evergreen Ash trees are extremely tolerant and water-wise. They are also simple to grow and require minimal maintenance, something we can all appreciate.

Chinese Elm ‘True Green’ (Ulmus parvifolia) – This is a favorite among homeowners! Moon Valley carries the ‘True Green’ strain which does not weep. They have wide, natural umbrella-shaped canopies that provide generous amounts of shade. It is fast-growing, so the canopy will spread quickly, giving you instant shade! Chinese Elms have small, deep green leaves and mottled bark that resembles camouflage-like patterns. Perfect for hanging up a swing or carving your initials into the trunk – memories for future generations!