4 Reasons Why Every Yard Needs to Have a Shady Spot

For many people, a sunny day is the definition of perfection. However, anyone who has ever experienced a sunburn knows it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. That’s why we recommend having at least one shady spot to enjoy in your yard. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Give Yourself a Place to Relax

That shady spot becomes a comfortable place to relax, whether reading a book after a long day or sipping tea to start your morning. Whether there’s enough shade for a single chair or patio where the whole family can lounge together is up to you, of course. Many people enjoy a shady spot next to the pool, by a swingset, or around the barbecue grill. Adding shade also reduces the glare, so you can enjoy screens outside, too! But even just being able to take a rest from gardening or keep cool when playing fetch with your four-legged friend under your personal umbrella on those days when the sunshine is relentlessness helps you enjoy more of your property all year round.

2. Improve Your Indoor Comfort

If that shade extends to your home, it also helps you be more comfortable inside, especially during the hot summer months. You can gain the maximum benefit from shade if you have awnings or trees on the south and west sides of your home, which get the most intense sunlight every day, to create shade. This reduces the need to use air conditioning, lowering your energy bills and shrinking your carbon footprint. It’s also a perk for those who prefer to open their windows rather than run the AC. And shade means you can keep your blinds open to enjoy the light without the light shining harshly on your face or making a glare on your TV.

3. Make Your Plants Happy

Although plants need sunlight to grow, not all of them enjoy direct and intense light. You can add plants such as ferns, foxgloves, hostas, or columbines that thrive in the shade to your garden for more variety. Many people notice that shade gardens need less attention than gardens in the full sun. Plus, having a shady or semi-shady spot in your garden ensures that delicate plants do not become sun-scorched or dry out because moisture evaporates. Who hasn’t seen at least one patch of unsightly dead, dry grass that mars what could be an otherwise beautiful yard?

4. Deal with Fewer Weeds

Weeding your lawn and garden can feel like a neverending battle, and sunlight can actually work against you in this fight. Shady spots can help with weed control because many weeds do better in direct sunlight. At the very least, having shade means there are fewer places for weeds to gather, and you can focus your attention on them to ensure your lawn looks its best.

Fortunately, shade isn’t all or nothing. You can choose the right plants and structures, such as retractable awnings or patio screens, to create shade where you want it–and keep things bright where you don’t!