​As the temperature rises during the sweltering summer months, finding relief from the heat becomes a top priority for many homeowners. While cranking up the air conditioner may provide temporary respite indoors, the key to long-term comfort lies just beyond your back door. Let's explore how strategically planting trees and incorporating greenery into your backyard can help keep things cool when the mercury soars.

            One of the most effective ways plants and trees can keep your backyard cooler in summer is by providing natural shade. Deciduous trees, such as maple, oak, and birch, offer a canopy of lush foliage that blocks the sun's rays and creates a cool, shady retreat beneath their branches. By strategically planting trees to shade your outdoor living spaces, you can significantly reduce the temperature and create a comfortable oasis for lounging and entertaining.

            Plants play a crucial role in the natural process of evapotranspiration, whereby water evaporates from leaves and stems, cooling the surrounding air in the process. By introducing a variety of leafy plants, shrubs, and ground covers into your backyard, you can harness the power of evaporation to naturally lower temperatures and create a more comfortable outdoor environment. Consider incorporating water features, such as fountains or ponds, to enhance the cooling effect and create a soothing atmosphere.

            In addition to providing shade and evaporative cooling, trees can also act as natural windbreaks, helping to mitigate the effects of hot, dry winds and reduce heat transfer in your backyard. By strategically planting trees along the perimeter of your property or around outdoor seating areas, you can create a barrier that blocks prevailing winds and creates a more sheltered microclimate. This not only helps keep your backyard cooler in summer but also reduces the risk of wind damage to plants and structures.

            Are there areas in your yard that you don’t use because of the heat? Maybe there’s more area you could use if only it wasn’t an oven? Make a plan now, to correct it next year! Take note of where the hotspots are and let our experts help you find the coolest solution. Or, have one of our designers come to you and help change those toasty areas into something you can enjoy.

Plants and trees are powerful allies in the battle against summer heat, offering natural shade, evaporative cooling, windbreaks, and other benefits that can help keep your backyard cool and comfortable all season long. By strategically incorporating greenery into your outdoor space, you can create a lush, inviting oasis where you can escape the heat and enjoy the beauty of nature in your own backyard. So why wait? Swing by Belmont Nursery and start planting today! Beat the heat with the power of plants and trees!