If you’re already missing out on half of the year, you probably want to take full advantage of it throughout the summer. But without shade, the heat is likely to drive you indoors.
Those lucky enough to live in regions where it’s warm year-round know just how hot a deck or patio can get on a sunny day. To keep your deck or patio hospitable on a hot day, check out these options for adding shade to your space.
Decorative Trees
While large trees are great for casting shade over your yard, they have their drawbacks. They take years or sometimes even decades to grow to maturity. If you’re looking to create shade for the coming summer, you won’t want to wait that long.
Additionally, if you plant a tree too close to your patio or deck, you risk the roots expanding and damaging it.
Instead, choose a small, decorative tree to provide some shade and add a pop of color and life to your space. These can be planted in containers or in the ground around your patio or deck. Crape Myrtle, Fernleaf Fullmoon Maple, and Amur Maples are all great choices.
Hang Curtains
If you have a roof over your patio or deck and still aren’t getting enough shade, consider hanging curtains around the edges. These can be opened or closed depending on the sun.
Curtains around folding patio doors also provide some privacy, which is great in suburbs where neighboring houses are close by.
If you don’t have a roof over your patio or curtain, consider building a privacy wall which is again a great way to create beautiful and functional patio covers. Like curtains, these can provide both shade and privacy from neighbors.
To add even more decoration to your space, consider adding a vertical garden. This is great for those with no yard or only a small yard. You can grow everything from flowers and ferns to herbs simply by hanging containers on your wall.
Tropical Plants
Large-leaved tropical plants like the musa basjoo (also known as the Japanese banana), are not only great for shade but also look great.
Create a fun, exotic atmosphere by planting these around your patio or in containers right on your deck.
The Japanese banana is also quite hardy. The roots can survive cold winter months, and bloom come spring or sprout year-round in warm climates.
Add a Motorized Retractable Awning
While putting up a canopy or permanent awning will provide shade, they are tough to move. If you decide that you want some sunshine on a chilly or overcast day, you’ll be out of luck.
But an umbrella can be hard to open and close. With time, the crank may break down, and they often get even tougher to open and close.
Luckily there’s a solution.
With motorized retractable awnings, you’ll be able to choose when you want some sun and when you want shade. With the touch of a button, you’ll be able to easily move the shade in or out.
If you already have a roof on your patio or deck, you can also add retractable screens to the sides. Raise and lower these to easily control how much sunlight gets in and to block out bugs.
The sun and hot temperatures are on their way. Now is a great time to start planning your deck or patio remodel so that you can enjoy your cool, relaxing space all summer long. Find the shade option that’s right for you today!