top of page
Search

Which Trees Won’t Block Sunlight in My Backyard?

ree

In Calgary, where long winters and limited daylight can take a toll on comfort and productivity, preserving natural sunlight is a smart strategy, especially when landscaping your yard. If you’re planning to plant trees but want to avoid blocking sunlight to your home, garden, or patio, choosing the right species is critical.


The good news? With Calgary’s dry climate, abundant sun, and urban lot sizes, there are plenty of tree options that provide beauty and function without casting dense shade. In this guide, we’ll cover the best tree types for light-conscious yards, and how Evergreen LTD can help you make the right choices for your space.


Why Tree Selection Matters in a Sunny City Like Calgary

Calgary receives over 2,300 hours of sunshine each year, but that doesn’t always mean optimal light in your yard. During the winter, the sun sits low in the sky, and even small trees can cast long shadows. That’s why selecting trees that allow light to filter through, or drop their leaves in fall, is essential to keep your backyard bright and usable.


Avoid year-round shade with smart planting decisions, or better yet, let Evergreen LTD design a light-friendly landscape tailored to your property.


1. Choose Deciduous Trees for Winter Light

Deciduous trees shed their leaves each fall, allowing sunlight to reach your yard during the colder months, just when you need it most.


Recommended Species:

  • Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

    • Height: 6–10 m

    • Small footprint with brilliant fall colour

    • Ideal for ornamental use without blocking sunlight

  • Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)

    • Height: 6–7 m

    • Open branching with summer blooms

    • Works well near patios or windows needing winter sun

  • Columnar Aspen (Populus tremula 'Erecta')

    • Height: up to 10 m

    • Very narrow form, casts minimal side shadow

    • Great for borders or tight urban lots


These trees are all hardy to Calgary’s climate (Zone 2–3) and provide seasonal interest without sacrificing sunlight.


2. Be Cautious with Dense Evergreens

It may be tempting to plant evergreens for year-round greenery, but most species like Colorado Spruce or Scots Pine block light year-round, and not just for you, but potentially for your neighbors too.

Problems with dense evergreen planting include:

  • Excessive shade on gardens or solar panels

  • Altered snowmelt and water flow in winter

  • Loss of afternoon sun on west-facing patios or windows


If evergreens are necessary, consult an ISA-certified arborist to plan strategic placement that won’t impact sun exposure.


3. Consider Columnar and Upright Tree Varieties

Columnar trees are designed to grow up, not out, making them perfect for preserving sun access in smaller Calgary yards. These trees cast narrow shadows and won’t overpower garden beds or small spaces.


Great Columnar Options:

  • Parkland Pillar Birch (Betula platyphylla 'Jefpark')

    • Height: 8–10 m

    • Width: 1.5–2 m

    • Narrow shape with limited lateral shading

  • Columnar Swedish Aspen

    • Fast-growing and vertical

    • Adds structure without crowding your light


These upright varieties are ideal for planting along fences, driveways, or property lines, where privacy is needed but sunlight shouldn’t be blocked.


Need help identifying a columnar tree for your property? Evergreen LTD offers expert consultations and planting services across Calgary.


4. Don’t Forget About Placement

The right tree in the wrong place can still block sunlight. Strategic placement is just as important as species choice:

  • Avoid planting tall trees on the south or west side of the home or yard.

  • North and east placements are better for preserving full sun access.

  • Stay clear of utility lines and follow City of Calgary tree-planting regulations near sidewalks and property lines.


A tree may look small when you plant it, but over time it will grow, so planning for its mature size is critical. This is where Evergreen LTD’s knowledge of Calgary’s climate and by-laws comes in handy.


5. Call in the Experts for Light-Friendly Tree Planning

If you’re unsure what to plant, or you’ve inherited an overgrown yard that’s too shady, an arborist can help. ISA-certified arborists from Evergreen LTD can:

  • Assess your yard’s sun angles and shadow patterns

  • Recommend trees that match your space and sun needs

  • Safely remove or prune trees that are blocking essential light

  • Ensure all plantings comply with local regulations


We understand Calgary’s unique climate, short growing season, and sun exposure challenges. Let us build a tree plan that balances beauty, shade, and sunlight, so you can enjoy your yard all year long.


Conclusion

Choosing trees that won’t block sunlight in Calgary takes thoughtful planning, but it’s entirely doable. Favoring deciduous or columnar species like Amur Maple, Japanese Tree Lilac, or Parkland Pillar Birch keeps your backyard bright, functional, and comfortable. Avoid dense evergreens unless they’re strategically placed, and always consider sun angles before you plant.


Comments

bottom of page