Shade Garden Ideas

Farmers are well aware of the wind-reduction properties of trees. For countless generations they have planted rows of towering trees to act as windbreaks, protecting valuable crops. In smaller gardens, however, a tree’s ability to reduce wind and air circulation can have a harmful effect, especially in humid climates.

In any garden where disease is a problem, air circulation should be maximized. A large tree, dense with foliage, not only limits air circulation, but also increases the humidity of the garden by decreasing the amount of available sunlight. The lower a leafy canopy is to the ground, the more it contributes to stagnant air. For maximum air circulation, trees should be pruned as high off the ground as possible without detracting from the esthetics of the garden.

Limiting the number of plants in the garden and giving them plenty of space to grow will also help minimize disease problems. If diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and mold are still a yearly occurrence, you should use a commercial fungicide. Fungicides are best used as a deterrent to disease rather than as a cure. For that reason, they should be applied before the problem occurs in any given year, or at the very first sign of attack, to limit the damage. Consult your nursery for product names and best times for application.