Eight Landscaping Features That Can Lower the Summer Heat in Your Yard
Climate Change, Energy & PollutionSummary
As summers grow increasingly hotter, people are finding ways to stay cool such as upgrading air-conditioning. However, while indoor spaces can be upgraded to provide an escape from hot temperatures, the outdoors are still permeated by heat. This article from the LifeHack describes landscaping techniques that lower outdoor temperatures, making yards more enjoyable:
1) Plant shade trees to block the sun;
2) Reduce hardscaping as they absorb heat, or use lighter colours to reflect heat;
3) Plant ground cover plants to spread and block the sun;
4) Use layered planting to trap cool, shaded air;
5) Encourage vines and other shading plants to provide shade horizontally;
6) Channel breezes by aligning plants and walls to create a “wind tunnel”;
7) Install a rain garden to allow rainwater to flow into gardens and reduce the urban heat island effect;
8) Add water features (e.g. fountains and ponds).
By implementing these strategies, people can create a comfortable outdoor space that resists extreme heat while utilizing more natural solutions.