How To Beat The Heat in Your Yard This Summer

Pergolas & Awnings- If you’re willing to build a bit, incorporating a pergola or a simple attached awning in your yard will have a huge payoff. They can be built to fit with just about any style and vary in how involved they are to install.

Pergola & Vines- Why not go all-out *whimsical* and train some vines to creep up those posts? Certain species of vine love to climb up built structures. This can help turn a standard pergola into a cool oasis. Vines can be planted directly in the soil or in planters next to your pergola’s posts. You can choose a vine for its flowering color, leaf size & density (denser leaf cover means more shade!).

Try a Shade Sail- Shade sails can be a dynamic addition to a back or side yard. They act as a barrier between you and the sun while maintaining a light touch aesthetically. Shade sails come in a variety of colors, whether you need a clean, cool neutral or are using it as a vibrant pop of color.

Program your Yard for Shade- Your deck may be baking in the sun, but it’s possible you already have other opportunities for shade in your yard. Take stock of what the sun does in your landscape throughout the day. Is there a nice big tree or hedge providing protection after the early morning? That’s your new seating area!

Get Specific with Paving and Planting- If you really want to get granular about your ambient heat, start thinking also about the amount of paving and the surface area of shade you have in your yard. We all know asphalt is hot. Concrete and lighter colored pavers are cooler, and any organic material like wood decking and mulch is even cooler still.

Consider a Pool- Hear me out– while you may not think you have the type of yard that can accommodate a pool, you might be surprised! Many companies now offer small-scale prefabricated plunge pools meant for quick dips and cool-downs.

                                                            *Courtesy of https://tillydesign.com

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.