# Best Evergreen Trees for Shade

> Shade-friendly evergreens that resist deer and thrive in low light.
- Title: Best Evergreen Trees for Shade · Birds and Blooms | Shortify
- Summary: Shade-friendly evergreens that resist deer and thrive in low light. Hemlocks and arborvitae grow well in shade, but require pest monitoring and deer…
- Keywords: hemlock, arborvitae, deer-resistant, shade-tolerant, tsuga canadensis, false cypress, mountain laurel, trinity audio, Best, Evergreen, Trees, Shade
- Source: Birds and Blooms — https://birdsandblooms.com/gardening/growing-trees-shrubs-grasses/best-evergreen-trees-shade
- Author: Melinda Myers
- Published: 2026-10-01T15:05:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hemlock, arborvitae, deer-resistant, shade-tolerant, tsuga canadensis, false cypress, mountain laurel, trinity audio
## Shade-Tolerant Evergreens
Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) grow well in shade and stay under 15 feet tall.

> Most evergreens prefer full- to part-sun locations, but there are some good candidates for your shady garden.
## Deer-Resistant Options
Arborvitae and false cypress tolerate part shade but attract deer.

> Arborvitae is generally low maintenance, although it is a favorite of deer.
## Pest Concerns
Hemlocks face hemlock wooly adelgid, an invasive insect in Eastern US and Canada.

> They are susceptible to hemlock wooly adelgid, an invasive insect that has been a problem in much of the Eastern United States, southeastern Canada and recorded as a pest in California and Oregon.
## Mountain Laurel Benefits
Mountain laurel attracts pollinators with spring blooms and avoids deer.

> Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a broadleaf evergreen grown as a large shrub or small tree.
## Shade Tolerance Tips
Yews and mountain laurel grow better in deeper shade with open habits.

> Yews (Taxus) can be grown as shrubs or small trees. Depending on the variety, they can tolerate part shade.
## Key takeaway

Hemlocks and arborvitae grow well in shade, but require pest monitoring and deer protection.