Want to drop your summer AC bills without a remodel? In Bexley, the right tree in the right spot can cool your home and your block. According to EPA guidance, well‑placed shade trees can cut cooling energy use by roughly 7 to 47 percent depending on placement and site conditions. You want comfort, curb appeal, and to follow local rules. This guide shows you where to plant for maximum shade, which trees thrive in central Ohio, and how to keep them healthy. Let’s dive in.
Why trees matter in Bexley
Bexley treats trees as part of its identity, with an active Tree & Public Gardens Commission that guides species and public planting policy. You can use that local guidance to match your private plantings to the street’s look and resilience. Learn more on the city’s Tree & Public Gardens Commission page.
Bexley sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b, which helps you pick species that can handle both summer heat and winter cold. Check your zone on the USDA map.
Shade trees do more than look good. By cooling west and south walls and windows, they can lower indoor temps and reduce your AC run time. The EPA’s residential energy page outlines the cooling and heat‑island benefits.
Plan your shade strategy
Prioritize west and south sides
- Focus first on the west and southwest sides to block intense afternoon sun.
- Use deciduous shade trees so winter sun can warm your home after leaves drop.
- For south exposures, place trees far enough away to shade the roof and upper windows without crowding the structure at maturity.
Mind lines and rights of way
- Do not plant a large tree where it will grow into overhead lines. Choose small or mid‑size trees under lines and reserve big canopy trees for open areas.
- Street trees and tree lawns are part of the public right of way. Before pruning or planting there, review city rules in the Bexley code on vegetation in rights of way and check with the City Service Department.
Call before you dig
- Always call OHIO811 to have utilities marked before you dig for a new tree. This is required in Ohio. Submit a ticket at OHIO811 / OUPS.
What to plant in Bexley yards
Choose durable shade trees that fit your space and soil. Good central Ohio options include:
- White oak — large, long‑lived, excellent canopy and habitat value. Needs room.
- Northern red oak — large, fast canopy, strong fall color. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Tulip tree (tulip‑poplar) — very fast vertical growth for quick shade. Needs space and well‑drained soil.
- Blackgum (tupelo) — medium to large, adaptable, outstanding fall color.
Tips:
- Mix species. Avoid planting all one type to reduce risk from pests and diseases.
- For tight sites or under lines, pick small to mid‑size trees. For big yards, use large canopy species.
- When in doubt, check Bexley’s recommendations on the Tree & Public Gardens Commission page.
Planting basics that work here
- Best seasons: Plant container or balled‑and‑burlapped trees in early spring or fall. Bare‑root trees go in during early spring while dormant. See a practical how‑to in this tree planting guide.
- Set the root flare at grade: Dig a hole 2 to 3 times as wide as the root ball, no deeper than the root flare. Backfill, water well, and create a shallow mulch ring.
- Mulch correctly: Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch in a wide donut. Keep mulch off the trunk.
- Water to establish: Deeply water weekly during the first 2 to 3 growing seasons, more often during hot, dry spells.
Maintain for safety and longevity
Prune with a plan
- Do formative pruning during the first 5 to 15 years to set strong structure.
- Schedule most structural pruning in late winter or early spring when trees are dormant.
- Hire pros who follow industry standards. The ANSI A300 standards are the benchmark for quality tree work. Learn why standards matter on the ISA overview page.
Water and mulch right
- Keep a 3 to 4 foot mulch zone where possible to protect roots and reduce mower damage.
- Avoid “volcano mulching.” Piled mulch against trunks traps moisture and invites decay.
- In drought, slow‑soak the root zone. Aim for deep moisture rather than frequent, shallow watering.
Know when to remove or treat
- Remove trees that are dead, dangerous, or severely diseased. Bexley code holds owners responsible for unsafe private trees.
- Watch for Emerald Ash Borer in ash trees. For treatment options or reporting, start with Ohio State’s Emerald Ash Borer resources and consult a certified applicator.
When to get help
- For city‑owned trees in the tree lawn or right of way, contact Bexley’s Forestry Department. The city can evaluate public trees and outline next steps. Find details on the Forestry Department page.
- For private trees, hire an ISA‑certified and insured arborist. You can verify credentials and find a pro through ISA’s Find an Arborist tool.
Well‑placed trees can make your Bexley home cooler, quieter, and more valuable over time. If you are planning to sell or buy in Bexley, I can help you prioritize smart yard improvements that boost comfort and curb appeal. Reach out to Deborah Parris to talk through your next move.
FAQs
When should I plant a shade tree in Bexley?
- Early spring and fall are best so roots establish in cool, moist soil before summer heat or winter freezes.
Do I need approval to plant or trim a street tree in Bexley?
- Yes. Street trees and tree lawns are in the public right of way. Contact the City Service Department or Forestry before planting, pruning, or removing anything there.
Which side of my house benefits most from shade?
- The west and southwest sides give the biggest summer cooling payoff, with south‑side shade also helping if positioned to cover roof and high windows.
How often should I water a new tree in summer?
- Deeply water about once a week for the first 2 to 3 growing seasons, increasing during hot, dry periods. Keep the mulch ring 2 to 3 inches thick.
Who do I call before digging a hole for a tree?
- Call OHIO811 at least a few days before you dig so utilities can be marked. It is required in Ohio and protects you and your property.
What should I do if I think my ash tree has Emerald Ash Borer?
- Have a certified arborist assess it. In many cases you will choose between professional treatment and removal based on the tree’s condition and value.
