shade – The Garden Boss

9 Genius Backyard Shade Ideas

I love the idea of having a backyard shade that can be pulled out and retracted. This lets you avoid the worst of the heat in the afternoon, but you can pull it back and put it away when the sun’s gone down and the stars are out. It makes your backyard much more enjoyable.

The cool thing about a sail shade is how it looks. You can choose from a lot of different colors and styles, so choose one that best matches your backyard décor. Sails are nice because they’re cheaper than full canopies or awnings, and they still block a significant amount of the sun.

For those of you with a green thumb, grow a vertical garden and use that to block out the sun! You can’t put the plants as your ceiling (unless you’re really skilled), but they work great as the walls for shade in the backyard. Plus, you have space for plants, which is always a plus.

If you’re looking for some greenery to have all around, then plant some wisteria. It grows really fast and it will stretch out to eventually cover your whole ceiling and provide great shade for your backyard. Wisteria will turn even the most urban home into a natural getaway that everyone can enjoy.

Build or have a pergola built in your backyard. This is one of the more classic and common ways to bring shade to the backyard. There’s nothing wrong with this idea, especially if you want some shade and a really classy structure to go with it.

An umbrella or parasol is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to bring shade to your backyard in a jiffy. You can even get tables and deck chairs that come with holders so the umbrella can slide right into it and cover where you’re sitting. This is also a great solution because it’s retractable.

Install a fabric canopy over your deck or backyard area for a simple yet classy way to add some shade. I like the fabric canopy because they’re really high quality, and they reduce the sun’s heat quite a bit.

Lattice patterns are a fun and unique way to add some shade and personality to your backyard. I like to combine the lattice with some plants and other natural elements to make the backyard for more secluded and private.

Go for a really unique look with this dome! It provides the shade you want, and it’s a great conversation piece. It’s privacy is so nice; I bet your kids and your whole family will love spending time underneath the shade down.

How to Create More Shade in Your Backyard

Make a statement with this gorgeous sail cover. It’s easy because it doesn’t require much, just some fabric and a few stands. Cut three holes into the corner of the sail and stretch it across the stands. That’s all you have to do. So easy!

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10 of the Fastest Growing Shade Trees for Your Yard

Northern Red Oak. This tree prefers soil that is moist, well-drained, and acidic. When possible, plant it somewhere it can get full sunlight. When in ideal locations, this tree can grow up to 75 feet tall, providing your home with plenty of shade.

Freeman Maple. This tree is very well known for its amazing fall colors. It grows best in zones 4-7, so just remember that. At its best, this tree will be around 80 feet high and nearly 50 feet wide. Not too shabby for a fast-growing tree.

Tulip Trees. Known for their flowers, this tree is anything but small and delicate. Tulip trees need a LOT of space to grow, so they’re not meant for a small yard. Avoid planting them near patios; it needs an open yard to be truly appreciated. You can definitely dine or hang out underneath it, though.

Leyland Cypress Tree. Something I like about this tree is that it can be used for shade or as a privacy fence. Many owners will use it for both. It grows best in zones 6-10, but it can also survive in zone 5 if you know what you’re doing.

Green Vase Zelkova. I love the shape of this tree. The way it arches up and out is mesmerizing. It can get up to 70 feet high and nearly 45 feet wide. Plant this tree in full sun, but it can survive in a variety of soils. The leaves are great colors, ranging from dark green to maroon. It’s also a pretty hardy tree, which is great.

Royal Empress. Once this tree gets full grown, you’ll know why it’s called a Royal Empress. The purple leaves are incredibly majestic, but they also provide some great shade. Make sure you want such a unique tree in your yard before you plant it.

River Birch. If you ask anyone who knows me, they’ll tell you that birch trees are my favorite. I just love their bark and the sound they make in the wind. River Birch is no exception, with great bark and fantastic foliage, especially in the fall. If you plant this, just keep it away from septic tanks.

Sawtooth Oak. This is one of many oak trees that are fast-growing and great for shade. In fact, most oak trees can be planted, but I like this one in particular. It grows fast, and it thrives best in zones 5-9.

Weeping Willow. You can’t talk about shade trees without mentioning the famous Weeping Willow. It can grow anywhere from 3 to 8 feet a year. Fantastic! While it grows best near water, some newer hybrids can thrive in other places as well.

American Sycamore. This gorgeous tree can grow up to 6 feet in one year. If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree to give you as much shade as possible, then this is the tree for you.