Cast Green Shadows
Don’t just add sails and umbrellas to your backyard—get a little natural shade in there, too. If you’ve got an arbor or trellis, check out climbing vines that grow fast and flower.
If you’re game for a bigger project, plant trees in your backyard. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the shade and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as 6° F, while air temperatures directly under trees can be reduced by as much as 25°F. Makes sense, doesn’t it, considering the cooling effect you feel when standing under a leafy tree?
For some expert advice, the Department of Energy offers an energy-saving landscaping guide to help you make it happen.