Understanding shade patterns and calculating the hours of sunlight available in a particular spot enables you to select plants that will thrive in that location.

Use the Shade Map website to model shade patterns in your yard throughout the day and throughout the year.

Click on the box at the bottom with the time of day and slide the time bar left and right to see the shade pattern at various times of the day.

You can also compare the shade pattern at various times of the year by clicking on the date button at the bottom and sliding the months bar left and right through the year.

This is based on modeling and requires a precise assessment of the height of buildings and trees so actual observation will be more accurate. But this gives you a good start on understanding shade patterns in your yard.