250 Landscape Design, Installation, and Management Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. a home or garage. The temperature in shaded areas is lower than the temperature in areas fully exposed to the sun. A designer can use shade from trees to create a more enjoyable outdoor liv- ing space, Figure 10-9. The direction of the cast shade depends on the size of the tree as well as the time of the year. If a large deciduous tree is desired, installation on the southwest side of a structure is recommended. Placing the tree on the southwest side of the home will provide shade cast over the house during the summer months. In the winter, a deciduous tree will shed its leaves and allow sunlight to pass through its branches and help warm the home. Color Color is another important function that trees provide. The leaves easily attract the eye due to the dense growth habit. The color or texture of the bark can also be used in a design. In many areas, the fall color of deciduous trees is the most notice- able aspects of trees. Maples, gums, and ginkgo trees provide striking fall color. Framework Few living plant materials have as much architectural impact as trees. Trees provide framework for landscape designs and help soften the sharp lines created by buildings. The variety of heights available provide the designer many options when creating his or her design. Christopher D. Hart Figure 10-9. Trees in downtown Washington, DC, provide shade along the city sidewalks. Christopher D. Hart Figure 10-10. Shrubs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Such a wide variety allows for selection of the perfect shrub for virtually every site.