Is the Canopee the best of both world ? Trees and Shade Sails comparison

Embracing new ways of Achieving Outcomes

Considering options to transform your space into a more vibrant, shaded and greener place? To create shade, you would probably have thought of either planting trees or installing shade sails. In this article, we dive into old and new ways of creating shade and their pro and cons blowing the traditional boundaries between Urban Greening, Placemaking and Green Architecture. Trees have long been synonymous with urban greening, offering shade, cooling, air purification and habitat for wildlife. They're 100% natural, time-tested solutions that enhance the aesthetics and well-being of urban environments. However, their growth requires space, above and under ground, and time to reach maturity. They need to have available space for roots growth, not always available in an already saturated underground. People often forget that there is no shortage of choices, ranging from traditional tree planting to cutting-edge innovations like the Canopee. Below, we'll delve into the characteristics of both and explore how each contributes to urban transformation.

UV-Protection and Comfort

Comparison
Tree
Canopee
Shade Sail
Provide Shade
YES
YES
YES
Protect against Skin Cancer
YES
YES
YES
Provide Cooling (Evapotranspiration)
YES, naturally done by the leaves
YES, naturally done by the leaves
NO, just artificial shade

Social Impact

Comparison
Tree
Free-Standing Canopee
Shade Sail
Create a Hotspot for People to Gather
YES
YES
YES
Greening and Wellbeing effect
OF COURSE!
YES
NO
Architectural Appeal
NATURALLY!
YES, NATURE INSPIRED DESIGN!
TYPICALLY NOT
Lighting Option
YES
YES
YES

Sustainability

Comparison
Tree
Canopee
Shade Sail
Bring nature to urban spaces
YES
YES
NO
Carbon Neutral
YES (INSTANTLY)
YES (within 5.5 years)
NEVER

Dimensions and costs

Comparison
Tree
Free-Standing Canopee
Shade Sail
Need for Underground Anchoring or Deep Soil Availability
YES
NO
YES
Depth of Underground Anchoring and Roots
At least as much as the tree height
NONE
>1 Meter
Installation Time
WEEKS including underground preparation time
1 DAY
WEEKS including underground preparation time
Large shaded area timeline
AT LEAST 5 YEARS
2 TO 3 YEARS or Instant with built in sails
INSTANTLY
Maximum Height
DEPENDING on tree species and underground available space
3 m for the Small Canopee 5 m for the Large Canopee
As specified
Nature associated risks (roots and branches damage)
YES
NO
NO
Modularity
NO. Difficult to move a tree
YES. Fully relocatable / refitable
NONE
Green cooling Shade area
DEPENDING on tree species and maturity
20 square meters for the Small Canopee50 square meters for the Large Canopee
NONE
Cost
The tree is typically cost effective however underground preparation to achieve successful tree growth can be very expensive.
$20k-$45k depending on model
Similar to Canopee for given surface area
Maintenance costs
Ongoing arboristery and watering services required - of course it is alive!
Ongoing horticulture and watering services required - of course it is alive!
None required

the three questions you need to answer

Is there space underground?

  • YES! You have the choice! If you have no underground space restrictions, please plant a tree. We love trees!
  • NO! If you want to have a predictable integration of Nature both under and above ground, a Canopee might be the way to go! It would mimic the benefits of a tree without having to dig.

How permanent do I want the installation to be?

  • PERMANENT! Well, you can go all the way with a tree that will go on for decades! A Canopee or shade sail will last for 10-15 years
  • I AM NOT SURE! The Canopee is the solution. It can be tested in a space and then relocated as many times as you want.
  • TEMPORARY! You won't have the time to see a tree growing, but you can go for a Canopee. In fact, we also work with events... for a day, for a week, or for a year, the Canopee may be the perfect solution.