In the Central Valley we often find ourselves in a battle with the sun when it comes to our property. How can you create a Central Valley friendly yard and increase the shade in your landscape? Here are some tips to help you design a shady landscape that will transform your outdoor spaces into a welcome retreat from the beating sun.
Choose Appropriate Plants
One of the main concerns is keeping your water consumption to a minimum and being eco-friendly. A key to this is selecting appropriate plants for the area.
Shade Trees:
A popular way to gain shade is to plant shade trees. The arching canopies of many shade trees provide welcome relief from the sweltering sun. Mature trees are also said to increase market value of the property. Just make sure that when choosing a tree, you take into consideration the utilities.
Some great trees for our area:
- Western Redbud – drought tolerant, low water needs, striking flowers
- Desert Willow – showy flowers, low water
- Smoke Tree – colorful foliage, thrives in poor conditions
- Crape Myrtle – Summer bloom, fall color
Large Shrubs:
Adding shrubs can help create shade in your landscape. Tall bushes planted near a backyard patio enhance the visual appeal of commercial and residential landscapes and are inexpensive. Flowering shrubs have the added benefit of producing beautiful spring and summer blooms.
One tip is to place shrubs far enough from the home that they don’t pose a fire hazard. Opt toward native plants as these are lower maintenance and will require less water, fertilizer and time and they will create less waste. Shrubs should also be appropriately sized for the space and be a non-invasive variety.
Some Shrubs for our area:
- Butterfly Bush
- Sagebrush
- Western Redbud
- Manzanita
Plant Hedges:
Flowering bushes can also make great hedges. They generally create some shade along sidewalks and uncovered patios. Hedge shade can also provide sun protection for some flowers and vegetables.
Trellis Vines:
Vines create cooler areas in the garden. During certain times of the day, they cast shadows and can help optimize shaded garden beds and create a safe area for shade loving plants.
Add Structures
Adding structures to your landscape that increase shade is another way to add beauty to your yard and optimize your space.
Add Covered Porches and Decks
Screening in a porch or a deck will allow you to still have the gentle breeze, but without the blazing hot sunlight. This creates the ideal location for outdoor entertaining.
Add Awnings for Patio Door and Windows
A well-placed awning that is stylish not only enhances your curb appeal but reduces sun glare indoors. This is a simple way to create cooler outdoor areas. Some companies even make retractable awnings so you can adjust for as much shade as you need.
Add a Pergola or Garden Arbor
Many companies provide DIY kits to build your own pergola structure. Pergolas provide shade create excellent outdoor dining areas. If you’d like to increase your shade potential add some vines to your pergola.
Garden arbors provide a respite from the sun. Honeysuckle, morning glory, climbing tea roses and other plants work well on an arbor. You can add both shade and beauty to your landscape.
Taking a few moments to revamp your landscape and optimize your landscape for shade will dramatically increase your comfort level. Intentionally designing a shady landscape creates a cooler yard that is appreciated by both commercial and residential properties. The hottest months of the year don’t need to rob you of your outdoor fun, with a few simple tweaks you can reclaim your outdoor time.