Clear blue skies. The temperature is on the rise. It’s summer, and for most, that means spending time outside enjoying the weather. During these few hot months, many are forced to compromise their comfort in order to spend time outside. However, there are ways to enjoy the weather without getting scorched by the sun. Creating shade in your outdoor space is vital to establishing a balance between enjoyment and comfort and can be achieved through many different methods.
Shade In Your Outdoor Space
The first approach to striking this balance through the creation of shade in your outdoor space would be through the use of plants. Many species of plants are able to provide natural shade to their surrounding area.
Sunflowers are a common type of plant used to provide a certain level of shade and are especially popular amongst gardeners as they are able to protect lower lying vegetation from the sun’s rays. Vining plants, such as the climbing rose, are also used to provide shade by growing tightly together to construct a natural canopy.
The most common natural solution to make shade in your outdoor space is to take advantage of trees. Most tree species grow to be quite tall and are able to provide shade for anything underneath or surrounding it. The only potential downside to this fix would be the height and width of the tree as size would certainly play a factor in the practicality of this solution.
Other Solutions For Shade
Outside of vegetation-based fixes, you have the option of a variety of fixtures to help create shade in your outdoor space. If you have a patio, constructing a permanent roof over said patio creates what is essentially a room with no walls. You are able to enjoy your backyard in complete shade and comfort, the only downside to this solution is the cost involved in creating a covered patio.
If you’re still interested in a structure, but not one connected to the house, a gazebo, pavilion, or other outdoor space may be the shade you’re looking for. These fixtures create a great (and shaded) area under which you can entertain guests. These three options also enhance the overall image of your backyard, making it a more desirable place to spend time.
If you’re leaning towards something more tropical, a backyard palapa is right up your alley. The palm leaves that make up the roofing for this structure create a vacation vibe, transporting you and your guests to a tropical island paradise. The only downside to this fixture would be the maintenance required to maintain the appearance of an island escape instead of a bird’s nest.
A more temporary solution to avoiding the heat while still enjoying the outdoors is through the use of an umbrella or pop-up canopy. These two options are easily transported to any location and are significantly cheaper than the other solutions, making them very versatile and cost-effective. However, they are not permanent fixtures and will need to be set up each time you desire to use them to get shade in your outdoor space.
These tips can help you enjoy the shade in your outdoor space and make your home more unique for summer!
