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The hot summer months are fast approaching and we can’t wait to start soaking up the sunshine in the backyard!
Between Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year celebrations, it can be easy to overlook sun protection for you and your guests. We’ve put together a few tips for sun-proofing your backyard to protect yourself and your family over the holidays.
Patio curtains
Patio curtains are a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to increase the shade and weather protection in an outdoor living area. Curtains can be opened and closed as the sun moves to maintain shady areas and air circulation. You can also use tapestries for more bohemian feel, or any other kind of lightweight fabrics to achieve the same effect.
Umbrellas or a pop-up canopy
Umbrellas are one of the fastest ways you can add shade to your outdoor living areas. Because umbrellas shade limited areas at a time, this option is best when you have particular spots that need sun protection, such as a patio dining table. Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for with outdoor umbrellas; cheaper options often do not function as well as their better-made counterparts, and you may end up spending double when you have to replace them.
Add a gazebo
Adding even a small gazebo to your backyard or front yard creates a covered seating area where you can read, relax or visit with friends.
Installing a gazebo instantly adds an outdoor room that comes with its own shade and protection from the elements, so this is a great option for homeowners who have space and budget for this home improvement project.
As an added bonus, different areas around the gazebo will also be shaded as the sun moves through the sky, which can provide a protected space in which your children or dogs can play or relax outside.
Get some trees!
Shade trees are one of the most eco-friendly options available for adding some extra sun protection to your backyard. You can find plenty of options at your local nursery
The issue with this option is that it will take many years for a young tree to grow large enough to provide a significant amount of shade. However, the end result is definitely worth the wait. Some homeowners even create full outdoor rooms under the canopy of a single shade tree, which creates a space that is functional, beautiful and integrated with nature.
Keep in mind that strategically planted shade trees can lower the cost and use of energy when heating and cooling your home.
While we are blessed to live in a beautiful, sunny country – it is so important that we take appropriate measures to protect the people (and things) we love from potentially harmful exposure. Follow these tips and you can frolic outdoors in the fantastic warm weather without a care in the world (just remember your sunscreen, too!).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
