Cool Off Outdoors This Season

When temps soar, don’t retreat inside; instead, let’s rethink your landscape design to build in cool and shady solutions that will get you back outdoors and enjoying your outdoor spaces. As landscapers, we can’t stand to see your investment not get the attention it deserves this season. Get ready to take back the outdoors – Toss on your shades and head to the backyard with our landscaping hacks to keep cool:

 

 Add Shade Trees

There’s nothing quite like birdsong and the rustling of the leaves to help you relax after a long day! Shade trees provide the perfect amount of shade and heat protection to get you back outside and enjoying your living spaces, whether that’s relaxing in the hammock, taking the rope swing for a spin, or watching the kids enjoy their summer off from school. But the benefits don’t stop there – Shade trees are known for improving the air quality of the environment where they are planted, and they even help with drainage after heavy rains. We can’t forget about the aesthetics! Some shade trees like the Zelkova, Locust, Lindens, and Oaks, as well as some larger flowering trees like Ornamental Cherries and Redbuds, can add a ton of natural beauty and visual interest to your outdoor space.

The Power of Water

Bring on the Zen! Adding the calming trickle of a water feature to your landscape adds unique visual interest and appeal to your landscape for visitors, and it sets the mood as you head outside for much-needed relaxation. Don’t forget about function – the sound of flowing water is proven to physiologically lower body temperatures when outside temperatures soar. Water features can vary in size and shape and incorporate various visual elements, from a traditional bubbling fountain under a pile of rocks to a unique custom water feature like this one we made from a customer’s old canoe!

 

Add a Container Garden

Believe it or not, adding tall and leafy container plants around your outdoor living area will help keep it cool and shady – Mix and match your favorite plants ineach container for a blend of function and beauty. With endless design possibilities and combinations available, container gardens are a common addition to patios, outdoor kitchens, living rooms, or landscapes. Consider adding clusters of containers, one large group, or your own design around your outdoor living area with plants that have big, lush leaves mixed with beautiful blooms and fresh greens to keep temperatures manageable this Summer.