I need a tree or something

[akmyilee]

Ok, I have read about the passive solar stuff and would like to do something along those lines with a big window that I have on the south side of my house. I want to find a tree or bush or something that is going to be really shady in the summer and will let the sun in in the winter.

The window is about 9ft high from the out side and 6 feet wide. What kinda tree / bush should I get? I live on the GA/SC line. I need to be able to get it pretty cheap and keep it alive (which, well....lets just put it like, I am learning about gardening and all that)

I hope that this makes sense. Thanks in advance for your help........Amie

[moldy]

Trees will take a long time if you are starting from scratch (and big trees are expensive). A trellis that is hinged would work (hinges on one side - trellis over window in the summer and grow a vine at the base - morning glory, etc) or even a permanent one with a vine like clematis. An awning would also work, but might be as expensive as a big tree (I don't know prices on those). Think outside the box as far as what else would provide shade.

[Little Quacker in OR]

You have to make up your mind firstly whether you would like a deciduous tree that loses it's leaves in winter so you get winter sun..or an evergreen. Where you live is going to be making all of the difference in what is available to you. You don't say where you are. Moldy's idea is a really good one!

Call your Country Extension Service..they will have arborist on staff that can give you good tips on a good tree to plant for what you want. I planted an English Laurel outside of a west window here, the bright hot sun was driving me nuts coming through that big window. Now it's very nice and shady. This is a an evergreen tree, fast growing and pretty..... though you might not want that in your location. You may prefer something that will drop leaves in the winter.

Good luck............LQ

[akmyilee]

I guess I could just plant some Kudzu........then I could just cut it down every fall........haha, ok, no really

I am GA.........I want something that will lose the leaves in the winter....

I think the treliss idea is a good one

[Ramblin Wreck]

You might consider a dogwood tree if you only have to go up nine feet. Good luck in your choice.

[uncle Will in In.]

Awning or drapes. instant remedy.

[billyj]

Originally Posted by akmyilee

Ok, I have read about the passive solar stuff and would like to do something along those lines with a big window that I have on the south side of my house. I want to find a tree or bush or something that is going to be really shady in the summer and will let the sun in in the winter.

The window is about 9ft high from the out side and 6 feet wide. What kinda tree / bush should I get? I live on the GA/SC line. I need to be able to get it pretty cheap and keep it alive (which, well....lets just put it like, I am learning about gardening and all that)

I hope that this makes sense. Thanks in advance for your help........Amie

Being on the south side ] of the house. That's tough. I have a river burch on the east side of the house that accomplishes what you've out lined. South side, I don't know.

[mtman]

creap mertal grows thick in summer and you cut it all the way back in the fall

[Don Armstrong]

Vines. Real tall stretch of fence, wires. Scarlet runner beans (pretty too) or passionfruit or Chinese gooseberry (kiwifruit) or choko (you call chayote, I think). Even shadecloth - cheap and durable and works.

[mightybooboo]

Arbor with grape or wisteria.I like bouganvillia (sp) but it doesnt die back and lose its leaves.

BooBoo