Tips for Shading Your Oasis

It sometimes takes a lot of work to get your landscaping just the way that you want it, but it’s worth it when you get to sit down and enjoy your hard work. The only problem is that sometimes it’s just too hot to spend much time out enjoying! This is especially problematic if your landscaping contains a lot of flowers that bloom during the summer months, since the cooler spring and fall won’t give you the same sort of satisfaction in your garden.

There are ways to make the heat more bearable, of course. A little bit of shade and a nice breeze can go a long way toward turning your landscaping or garden into a welcoming oasis for you to relax in. While there are a number of ways you can accomplish this, here are a few ideas if you find yourself unsure of where to start.

Have It Made in the Shade

One of the easiest ways to produce shade in your garden or other outdoor area is to plant trees. Not just any tree will do, though. You’ll want something that grows straight and produces a nice wide canopy, like hybrid poplars, Nuttall oak, paper birch, or red maple. There may be other options available based on your location as well, and your preference will depend on both the look that you’re going for and the size of your yard. Whichever option you pick, though, many of these trees grow fast and produce a significant amount of shade once mature.

Trees aren’t your only option for shade, either. Canopies, archways, and other structures can be adorned with ivy or other vine plants to create shade exactly where you want it. As these plants grow and spread out you can shape them and cover a larger area as needed. Once you’ve achieved the amount of shade that you want, trimming back the vines will keep them healthy and covering the areas you want shaded.

The Wind Can Be Your Friend

Shade isn’t the only thing that you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got an enjoyable outdoor area that’s not overcome by summer heat. Breezes need to be able to move the air within the shade or you’re still going to end up with hot still air. Designing your landscaping to accommodate breezes and not blocking them with lines of trees or other closely grouped plants or structures will go a long way toward keeping things cool. Depending on how you lay things out, your landscaping design can even help to direct breezes into the shade.

Another consideration to keep in mind is fencing around your property. Privacy fences and similar fence structures can be both useful and stylish, but a tall privacy fence also blocks all the wind. If you’ve got solid fences all the way around your property, you’re cutting off any breezes that might cool things down. Make sure that you don’t overdo it with fences or walls to keep air flowing and your outdoors livable.

Optimizing Your Oasis

Whether you’re still planning your outdoor oasis or considering changes, HomeKeepr is here to help you find the landscapers, contractors, and other pros that you need to make it into a dream come true. Want to add some shade plants? There are pros to help with that. Want a fountain to add a bit of water to break up the heat? There are pros to help with that too. You can even find professionals who can help you decide exactly what you need to do to create a shaded oasis if the options seem overwhelming.

Best of all, creating a HomeKeepr account is free. Sign up today to gain access to our app and connect with the pros you need in your area to get the job done without breaking the bank. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor landscaping without having to worry about being overcome by the heat.