a portion of the home for passive cooling.
During the long winter months, much of the country longs for the bright, warm days of summer. But when hotter temperatures arrive, we sometimes find ourselves seeking a bit of a reprieve. Creating shade in and around your home allows you to beat the heat and protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. If you’re hoping to entice the shade into your yard, there are myriad ways to go about it. Pick what works best for your budget, your space, and your preferences. Consider Your Space When deciding on the best shade maker for your home, think about where the sun hits at different times of day. While you may enjoy morning sun, seek protection from afternoon rays in the areas where you spend time, such as the patio or even the pool. Also decide whether you want the cover to be temporary so you can remove it for storage the rest of the year, or if you prefer it to be a permanent structure you can enjoy year round. Plant Trees The most natural and long-term solution is to strategically place trees around your yard and home. A well-placed tree will provide shade for family and pets and also shade
Consider the angle of the sun when choosing a location for your trees. The goal is for the tree to create a barrier as the sun beats down late in the day. Select your placement accordingly. Start by identifying trees that are native to your region. Native plants thrive with less attention than non-native species, meaning they require less water, are more easily established, and grow more quickly. Since you’re planting with the specific goal of creating shade, ask your local nursery for suggestions about fast-growing trees. Consider the mature size of the tree so you don’t end up with something that is too big for your yard. Built Structures In addition to, or in lieu of trees, built structures offer shade on a more permanent basis. You can design and build your own, or hire someone to build them. Some structures are quite basic, such as an arbor with a bench. Others are more complex, like a roof over the patio. If you live in a region that is warm much of the year, you can even enclose the entire patio, including ceiling fans. Or you can screen in the area to allow in breezes while keeping the bugs at bay.
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