It’s the lazy days of summer. Time to kick back and relax with a good book or refreshing beverage. Unfortunately patios, pathways and even outdoor furniture can trap heat and become too hot to walk or sit on.
Luckily, these tips will help you keep your patio and backyard cool even on the hottest days. Some of these tips will also help your plants.

Make shade
Creating shade is the simplest solution, it effectively drops temperatures as much as 10-15%.

  • You can use the shade you have, by installing a hammock or seating spot beneath large shade trees. 
  • For larger areas, a louvered roof or retractable awning allows you to modulate the amount of shade.
  • If you are looking for a quick, low-cost solution, invest in shade sails, outdoor curtains, or a standing umbrella. Hung over a seating area or strung between trees, you can create instant comfort for entertaining or relaxing.
  • While throwing shade for yourself, don’t forget to hang shade cloths over those delicate plants that are withering in the summer sun. 

Make breeze

  • Fans do not cool the air, but by moving the air, they make you feel cooler. A ceiling fan installed in an enclosed patio, a mounted high velocity fan or even a simple box fan set up as needed, will bring instant relief especially when combined with other cooling methods.

Just add water

  • Water refreshes and the addition of a waterfall or fountain feature cools the air and brings calming sound to your garden. 
  • Misting systems use tiny droplets of water to cool the air through evaporation. Depending upon your budget you can opt for high or low-pressure systems, but even a misting fan will bring air cooling comfort to your patio. 

Add cooling elements
Here are a few additional considerations to make your outdoor spaces cooler:

  • A living wall and potted plants not only add beauty to your patio, but their leaves act like tiny evaporative coolers. 
  • Choose lighter color fabrics, furniture and hardscaping elements which reflect light.
  • Cooling outdoor rugs are light colored, UV-resistant and designed to insulate from the heat, keeping your feet cool.

Rest and recover
And while resting and relaxing yourself, don’t forget your plants could use a little tlc. Seaweed is powerful and safe treatment for summer stressed plants. Learn more about seaweed here.