The best patios are the ones that feel like a true escape, and for me, that always starts with good shade.
There’s nothing better than sitting outside on a warm day, surrounded by trees that not only keep things cool but also bring so much beauty to the space.
Over the years, I’ve found that some trees just have that perfect mix that makes any patio feel like a retreat. So, if you’re looking to create your own shady oasis, here are my top 20 favorite patio trees to help you do just that!
1. Japanese Maple
There’s something magical about the Japanese Maple.
Its delicate leaves dance in the wind, casting shimmering patterns on the ground. I’ve always loved how its red leaves offer a fiery display of color.
Whether you’re sipping morning coffee or enjoying evening tea, the gentle shade it provides is perfect. This tree’s compact size makes it ideal for patios, a testament to elegance in a small package.
2. Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtles are like the artists of the tree world.
Their blooms can be pink, purple, or white which are some of my favourite colors.
I remember sitting under one during a summer picnic, admiring its flowers. It’s not just about looks; their shade is a cool refuge on hot days. Plus, they’re low maintenance, making them a favorite for busy folks.
3. Olive Tree
Olive trees, with their leaves and trunks, bring a slice of the Mediterranean to your patio.
I’ve always found peace in their beauty and the gentle rustle of their leaves. They offer a soft shade, perfect for lazy afternoons with a book in hand.
And let’s not forget the added bonus of potentially harvesting your own olives! So, you definitely won’t regret this one.
4. Magnolia
The show-stoppers of any patio! Their glossy leaves and large blooms are fascinating.
I have a Magnolia and it fills the air with a sweet fragrance every spring.
Their leaves provide ample shade, creating a cool sanctuary underneath. They’re the kind of tree that invites you to linger a little longer, enjoying the moment.
5. Dogwood
The gentle poets of the tree community. Dogwoods.
Their delicate spring blossoms can be white or pink, offering a romantic feel.
I love how they transform my patio into a fairy-tale setting. Besides their beauty, they offer a cozy shade that’s just right for a mid-day nap or a quiet moment of reflection.
If you are looking for something elegant, this is perfect for it.
6. Redbud
Redbuds are all about the drama of springtime.
Their branches explode with tiny pink blossoms before the leaves even appear, creating a spectacle that’s hard to ignore.
I’ve always enjoyed the way these trees seem to announce the arrival of warmer days. Once the blooms fade, heart-shaped leaves offer a soothing shade. It’s like having two trees in one!
7. Lemon Tree
Lemon trees are more than just a citrusy delight. They’re a symbol of sunny days and fresh beginnings.
I adore the bright pop of color their lemons add to the greenery. Their shade is refreshing, perfect for a cooling break on a hot day.
Plus, there’s the bonus of picking fresh lemons for a lemonade, right from your patio!
8. Japanese Zelkova
Japanese Zelkovas are the unsung heroes of shade trees, with their graceful form and wide canopy.
Their leaves shimmer in the sunlight, creating a soothing dance of light and shadow.
I find their presence calming, a perfect match for modern patios. If you are looking for a tree that is both beautiful and practical, this is one elegant package!
9. River Birch
These trees bring a touch of the wild to any patio.
I’ve always admired their resilience, thriving near water yet adaptable to various settings.
River Birch has a gentle shade, perfect for lazy afternoons by the river or pond. Me and my friends love sitting under it and having a cup of coffee.
10. Paperbark Maple
If you want a tree that is like nature’s artwork, Paperback Maple is for you. With bark that peels into stunning cinnamon-colored patches, your eyes will be happy with this sight.
I love how their leaves turn red in the fall, adding warmth to cool days. I enjoy their soft shade, best with my friends.
If you ask me, they’re a reminder of nature’s beauty in every season.
11. Kwanzan Cherry
Talk about a package! Kwanzan Cherry trees are the epitome of spring’s splendor, with blossoms that burst into pink clouds.
Every time I see one, it feels like a celebration of life itself.
After the blooms, their leaves provide a cozy shade, perfect for relaxing beneath. I might have my favourite here.
12. Mimosa Tree
This one adds a touch of the exotic with their feathery foliage and fluffy pink flowers.
I’ve always associated mimosa trees with tropical retreats, and their shade is equally inviting.
Their airy canopy is a playful dance of light and shadow, perfect for daydreams and afternoons. Your eyes will thank you, and you will thank me!
13. Honey Locust
I’m giving you one that provides a unique shade that’s both light and cooling. Their open canopy lets through just enough light.
Honey locust is adaptable and resilient, making them a great choice for many settings.
They offer a shade, ideal for relaxing with a book or hosting a garden party. I’ve tried with both, and let me tell you, I already know where my next party will be.
14. Golden Rain Tree
Golden Rain Trees are nature’s confetti, with clusters of yellow blooms that brighten any space.
I remember the first time I saw one; it felt like stumbling upon a secret garden.
Their shade is as delightful as their blooms, creating a cheerful canopy overhead. They’re a great choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their patio.
15. Ginkgo Biloba
These ones are a conversation starter, offering both history and beauty.
Ginkgo Bilobas are like living fossils, with leaves that flutter like golden fans.
I’ve always been fascinated by their ancient lineage and unique leaf shape. Their shade is soothing and warm, and perfect for many occasions.
16. Chinese Pistache
Chinese Pistache trees are a fiery autumn spectacle, with leaves that come in reds and oranges.
Their transformation from green to beautiful colors never fails to amaze me.
The shade they offer is generous, and I see everyone taking a break on those sunny days underneath it. For me, this is the tree that is changing with the seasons but consistently beautiful.
17. Jacaranda
If you want a splash of purple majesty, I suggest Jacaranda.
I can’t help but smile every time I walk beneath one. The shade they provide is a dreamy escape, perfect for daydreaming or a quiet read.
The colors will definitely leave you speechless, and you will dream of getting one yourself.
18. Weeping Willow
Weeping Willows have always felt like nature’s own curtains, with their long, flowing branches.
There’s something so peaceful about sitting beneath one, listening to the soft rustling leaves. The shade they cast is cool and calming, making it the perfect spot to unwind, daydream, or just enjoy a quiet moment by the water.
If you’re looking to add a touch of romance and serenity to your patio, a Weeping Willow never disappoints.
19. Serviceberry
Quietly beautiful but always giving something special each season. If you are wondering about the name, it’s serviceberries.
In spring, their white blossoms feel like a fresh start, and by summer, their berries bring birds flocking in. Their shade is light, just right for sitting back with a book or watching the birds come and go.
If you love trees that are as functional as they are beautiful, serviceberries are a perfect choice.
20. Catalpa
Catalpas are all about heart—from their leaves to their charming presence.
Their large, white flowers are like nature’s trumpets, announcing their beauty.
I enjoy the shade they provide, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. I don’t know if it’s the tree or something else, but we always end up having such a calm and great time.