The Best Trees to Plant in Western Canada for Shade, Privacy, and Beauty

Looking to add some cool shade, a bit of backyard privacy, or a gorgeous tree that makes people say “wow”? You’re in the right place. But here in Western Canada, where winters bite and summers rush by faster than a Prairie thunderstorm, not every tree is up for the challenge. 

That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite hardy, hardworking trees that don’t just survive here—they thrive. Whether you’re dreaming of a leafy retreat or a touch of natural beauty, here are our top picks for trees that get the job done.

Best Trees for Shade

Our summers may not be long, but when the sun does come out, it could cook an egg on your patio. These trees are masters of throwing shade, and they own it.

1. American Elm

The survivor of the tree world, American Elm is tall, tough, and shows off one heck of a canopy. Its graceful vase-shaped form makes it a classic boulevard tree, but it also works beautifully in spacious yards.

• Height: Up to 30 metres
• Bonus: Drought-tolerant once established
• Why we love it: Old-school beauty with modern disease-resistant varieties now available.

2. Bur Oak

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Bur Oak is the definition of slow and steady wins the race. It’s rugged, long-lived, and made for grassland soils of Western Canada. You might have to wait a few years for full shade, but once it’s up and running, this tree is practically a living umbrella.

• Height: 15–25 metres
• Bonus: Native to the region and extremely cold-hardy
• Why we love it: Acorns, thick bark, and lush summer foliage? A true Canadian classic.

3. Silver Maple

If you’re after fast results, Silver Maple is your go-to. It grows at lightning speed and spreads its branches wide, offering quick shade for your yard.

• Height: 15–20 metres
• Bonus: Can handle urban conditions like a pro
• Why we love it: Fast growth, majestic form, and leaves that shimmer in the wind.

4. Hybrid Poplar

This one’s the Usain Bolt of shade trees. If you need cover, and you needed it yesterday, hybrid poplar delivers. Just keep an eye on those limbs in high winds, they can flap about a bit. 

• Height: Up to 25 metres
• Bonus: Rapid growth = instant gratification
• Why we love it: It’s like hitting the fast-forward button on your landscape.

5. Green Ash

Green Ash is tough, adaptable, and unbothered by soil or moisture drama. Its broad, rounded crown casts ample shade, and it’s got the grit to handle wind, drought, and Western Canadian winters.

• Height: 15–20 metres
• Bonus: Low-maintenance and great for shelterbelts
• Why we love it: Classic good looks meet workhorse durability.

Best Trees for Privacy

When your deck directly overlooks your neighbour’s (or the other way around), you’re gonna want something that can offer you some privacy. Here are some great options:

1. Colorado Blue Spruce

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With its striking bluish needles and symmetrical, pyramidal shape, the Colorado Blue Spruce is basically nature’s version of a privacy fence.

• Height: 15–25 metres
• Bonus: Year-round coverage
• Why we love it: It blocks wind, snow, and wandering eyes, all while adding serious visual appeal to your landscape.

2. Swedish Aspen

These tall, narrow trees are the introverts of the tree world. They are quiet, fast-growing, and not interested in taking up unnecessary space. Perfect for tight yards or lining property edges without hogging sunlight.

• Height: 12–15 metres
• Bonus: Quaking leaves offer calming movement and sound
• Why we love it: Quick-growing, low-maintenance, and chic.

3. Eastern White Cedar

A classic hedge tree and Canadian favourite. If you’re looking to plant a living wall, Eastern White Cedar is the tree for you. It’s evergreen, easy to trim, and plays well with others when planted in rows.

• Height: 5–15 metres
• Bonus: Easily shaped and dense from top to bottom
• Why we love it: Provides year-round privacy and stays green when everything else looks ordinary.

4. Douglas Fir

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A fast-growing, narrow, pencil-like evergreen that stands tall even in the toughest winters. It offers full-bodied coverage and a refined forest vibe, perfect for larger yards or your driveway.

• Height: 20–30 metres
• Bonus: Excellent windbreak and wildlife habitat
• Why we love it: It makes your yard feel like a peaceful mountain retreat.

5. Tower Poplar

If you want a quick privacy fix, Tower Poplar is basically nature’s vertical blind. It grows fast, straight, and dense, ideal for screening out roads, alleyways, or less-than-lovely views.

• Height: 20 metres
• Bonus: Extremely fast-growing and drought-tolerant
• Why we love it: No fluff, just function.

Best Trees for Beauty

Sometimes, you just want to look at your yard and feel like you’re in paradise. That’s where these trees come in. 

1 Japanese Lilac Tree

Photo credits to wikimedia.org

This little gem is tidy, fragrant, and classy without being fussy. In late spring, it explodes with creamy-white blossoms that smell heavenly and stick around till late fall.

• Height: 6–9 metres
• Bonus: Doesn’t mind urban conditions, since it’s resistant to pollution, pests, and road salt.
• Why we love it: Compact, graceful, and blooms after other spring show-offs have called it a season.

2. Amur Maple

If fall is your favourite season, the Amur Maple will steal your heart. It delivers rich red and orange leaves that practically glow. It’s a great choice for smaller yards or anyone looking to add a splash of seasonal colour.

• Height: 4–6 metres
• Bonus: Can be grown as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub
• Why we love it: Easy-going, eye-catching, and tough enough for Prairie winters.

3. Flowering Crabapple

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You’ve seen them, you’ve stopped to stare, and maybe even snapped a photo or two. Crabapples are spring royalty with blooms in white, pink, or deep red that put on a show before the leaves even fully open.

• Height: 5–7 metres
• Bonus: Attracts birds and pollinators, plus newer varieties resist disease and drop less fruit.
• Why we love it: It’s a four-season beauty with flowers in spring, fruit in fall, and sculptural branches in winter.

4. Trembling Aspen

Graceful and iconic, the trembling aspen brings movement and sound to your landscape with its quaking, heart-shaped leaves. Plus, its white bark adds a sleek, modern contrast to green spaces.

• Height: 15–20 metres
• Bonus: Fast-growing and drought-resistant. Adapts well to poor soils and low-maintenance yards.
• Why we love it: It’s like planting a piece of the Canadian wilderness right in your backyard.

5. Weeping Birch

photo credits to pxhere.com

Elegant and slightly mysterious, the weeping birch has cascading branches and that unmistakable white bark that pops against just about anything.

• Height: 10–15 metres
• Bonus: Thrives in cooler climates and moist soil. Great choice for shady spots with heavier soil conditions.
• Why we love it: It’s the landscape version of poetic beauty, grace, and romance.

Your Perfect Tree Is Waiting. We’ll Help You Plant It.

Our professional tree planting services are designed for Western Canada’s unique climate, and your yard’s specific needs. With 23 ISA-certified arborists on staff, we don’t just plant trees; we plant the right trees, in the right place, with expert care from root to canopy.

We proudly serve Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, offering personalized planting plans and a free estimate to get started. Whether you’re dreaming year-round privacy, or just something drop-dead gorgeous, we’re here to help it grow.