Shade for Kids: Fact Sheet 2
Ideas for Natural Shade: How and where to plant trees
Photo: Cam Collyer
Sitting, reading or playing in the shade of big, leafy trees. That’s the goal and it’s achievable.
Shade comes in many shapes and sizes. Here are some ideas to inspire you!
• Tree groves
Planting one tree isn’t as effective as planting many in a grove to form a natural
gazebo. Plant a minimum of six trees 6m apart. Mulch to a depth of 15cm underneath
the trees and add rocks for seating.
• Circle of trees
This is a themed approach to the natural gazebo idea. Plant nine native trees – one for
each class from K to Grade 8 in a large circle with seating. Students have a natural
outdoor classroom, as well as a tree to care for and study every year.
• Spectators
Plant trees where students, staff and parents gather to watch sports events. The trees
will also provide shade for players waiting their turn on the bench. Plant trees in a row
8 to 10m from the sports field boundary lines. If there’s enough room, plant a second
row to create an allée.
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Asphalt play zones
Shade active play zones by planting trees in a row or double row directly into or
alongside asphalt. Trees planted 7m from school building serve to shade the
classrooms as well as the active play area.
Play structures
Plant trees on the south and southwest sides of play structures. Maintain a 2m
distance from the outer limit of the fall zones and/or perimeter of the play structure.
Running tracks
Plant trees at a distance of 5m along the outside of running tracks to shade the track
and spectators. Absolutely no trees should be planted inside the track area for safety
reasons.
Allée of trees
Planting a double row of trees 6m apart creates a dense canopy of green along
pathways and trails.
Tree trail
Create a pathway, nature trail or physical fitness trail that winds through and around
newly planted trees. Create a tree guide and label the trees to increase learning and
fun! Space trees 5 to 7m apart and plant 2m from the trail.
Tip: Make use of existing shade
• place seating (logs, rocks, benches) under existing trees
• program outdoor activities under existing shade trees
Willow structures
Willows can be used in creative ways to provide shade for children. Bowers can be created for a
unique and informal shaded sitting area, or use willows to create shaded tunnels, arches or
mazes for play. See the Living Willow website for more inspiring ideas on how to use willows
for shade. www.livingwillow.com
Where to go from here?
See Fact Sheets 4 and 6 for more details on tree selection and tree care to help select the best
tree species for your project.
Resources
Greenwood, J.S., G.P. Soulos, and N.D. Thomas. Undercover: Guidelines for shade planning and
design. Sydney: NSW Cancer Council and NSW Health Department, 1998.
Designing for Shade and Energy Conservation . 2004. TDSB and Evergreen.