5 Tips for Using Shade to Improve Your Backyard
Now that we’re entering the cooler seasons, it’s time to start planning for the hot summer months of 2025. This past summer witnessed heat waves and suffocating humidity throughout the continental U.S., and many homeowners spent most of their time indoors–rather than bonding with friends and family in the backyard. Kids spent more time this summer inside, playing on their phones, instead of playing outside with their friends. Dogs spent time staring outside at what appeared to be good weather, not knowing their outdoor time would be limited due to the heat. Summers can be brutal, but you don’t want to compromise outdoor time next year. So what can you do to plan ahead?
Sun shade structures are the best solution for improving your backyard, and you’ll get your money’s worth by buying from a reliable contractor. PalmSHADE employs a team of trained industry professionals with all the expertise and equipment needed to design and weld custom-fabricated sun shade structures. As such, we know a thing or two about shade and have provided this blog to help you brainstorm for next year.
Table of Contents:
- Why do I need shade in my backyard?
- Install sun shade structures at specific locations in your backyard
- Poolside shade structures for the ultimate summer cooling session
- Plant trees in your backyard for additional shade
- Sun shades can boost your property value
1. Why do I need shade in my backyard?
What’s the point of having so much space in the yard when you cannot capitalize on it? Why spend all your summertime indoors when you can watch the kids play tag, throw the ball for the dog, chat with the neighbors, host barbecues, and take in the fresh air? Shade allows you to enjoy the outdoors without subjecting yourself to the same relentless degree of heat and humidity. You can also socialize with neighbors, have friends over, and get out of the house without being uncomfortable. Think about this, too: regardless of how much time you spend outdoors, the grass will continue to grow; it helps to have a shaded area to retreat to for the occasional break.
PalmSHADE’s rectangular sun shade structures can be installed flush to your wall, meaning you can step through your back door and onto your patio and be immediately protected from the sun and its harmful UV rays. We custom-manufacture products according to the parameters of the installation site, meaning we can provide a structure large enough to protect patio tables, chairs, etc.
Before we move on, let’s talk a little more about shade and pets. Most dogs like to spend time outdoors and become antsy if they can’t; and you don’t want to jeopardize their health by leaving them outside for hours at a time without protection from the sun. For all these reasons, it helps to have access to shade in your backyard. Now your pooch can frolic outside and lay down for a rest beneath the protective canopy of your sun shade.
2. Install sun shade structures at specific locations in your backyard
Do you have highlights in your backyard? Unique, standout items such as gardens, ponds, and bonfire pits? Naturally you want to take advantage of these during the summer, but that becomes difficult on hot days. If you purchase a sun shade structure from PalmSHADE, however, we can install it over these areas and thus you can enjoy them more readily throughout the year. Think about all the family and neighborhood get-togethers you can host when you have a comfortable, shaded area over a rest area, a bonfire, or some other item that attracts attention. You also become the owner of one of the more distinguished houses in the neighborhood!
Did you know that shaded areas can also help when it comes to yard maintenance? An overhead structure helps keep out debris such as rainwater, falling leaves, etc. So you can potentially save time spent on regularly cleaning junk out of your pond, for instance….
3. Poolside shade structures for the ultimate summer cooling session
Swimming pools have long been a default for homeowners seeking summertime relief. If you’re a pool owner or thinking about installing a pool, consider installing a poolside shade structure. After all, the water only keeps you cool while you’re swimming; once you’re out, you dry off and are subject to the heat again. Not to mention: water does not protect you from UV rays. Poolside shade, however, allows you to seek refuge after you’ve refreshed yourself. You can dry off and relax on pool chairs, all the while remaining protected from the sun. If you have a circular pool perimeter and want the shade to run parallel to the water, PalmSHADE has structures with a curving shape, such as the Horus design.
4. Plant trees in your backyard for additional shade
In addition to installing shade-providing fixtures, you can strategically plant trees throughout your yard. Besides providing protection from the sun, trees add an organic and naturally beautiful aesthetic to your property. Pets enjoy sitting in the shadow of a tree while they soak in the outdoor atmosphere. Don’t forget, also, that trees absorb sunlight and release oxygen; so having trees contributes to air quality in your neighborhood!
5. Sun shades can boost your property value
The more unique installations on your property, the more it’ll likely be worth if you decide to sell. “Unique installations” includes far more than just fences and gates. It also means the ponds, gardens, etc. we mentioned before, as well as our professionally crafted sun shade structures! What’s more, these structures help distinguish your home and make it more memorable to potential buyers than generic houses with nothing unique in their backyard. In summary: PalmSHADE’s installations have the potential to benefit you in the immediate present as well as in the long run!
Contact our sales team for more information on our shade structures. Or get a free quote today!