Beat the Heat In Colorado - Cool Backyard ideas
Cool Landscaping ideas to keep you cool!

When summer temperatures soar in Colorado, effective landscaping can help create a cool, comfortable outdoor environment.
One popular idea is to incorporate native, drought-resistant plants like blue grama grass, yarrow, or Rocky Mountain penstemon, which thrive in Colorado's climate and require minimal water. Here are the ways using native plants adds value to your landscaping design. Need help with selections - we have staff that are experts!
- Water Efficiency: Native plants like blue grama grass, yarrow, and Rocky Mountain penstemon have evolved to thrive in Colorado’s arid conditions. Their deep root systems allow them to access water efficiently, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Heat Tolerance: These plants are adapted to withstand intense sunlight and high temperatures. Their leaves often have waxy coatings or fine hairs that minimize water loss through transpiration.
- Shade Creation: As they grow, native plants create a natural canopy that shades the soil, preventing it from heating up excessively. This shade also benefits nearby structures and outdoor seating areas.
- Reducing water allows you to put more green in your pocket and in your yard!
Utilizing shade trees such as the quaking aspen or the bur oak can provide natural cooling and reduce your dependance on air conditioning. Shading your A/C unit helps it run more efficiently. Shading your house minimizes the heat effect allowing for your buildings to stay cooler.
- Canopy Coverage: Quaking aspen and bur oak provide broad canopies that shield your landscape from direct sunlight. Their leaves intercept sunlight, reducing the amount of heat reaching the ground.
- Transpiration Cooling: Trees release water vapor through tiny pores (stomata) in their leaves. This process, called transpiration, cools the surrounding air. Shade trees contribute significantly to this cooling effect.
- Windbreaks: Properly placed shade trees act as windbreaks, reducing wind speed and preventing rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil. This helps maintain a cooler microclimate.
Adding water features like a small pond or a fountain can also help cool the air through evaporation while providing a soothing ambiance.
- Evaporative Cooling: Water features like ponds and fountains release moisture into the air. As this water evaporates, it absorbs heat, effectively cooling the surrounding environment.
- Sound and Visual Comfort: Beyond temperature regulation, water features create a soothing ambiance. The sound of flowing water and the visual appeal enhance your outdoor experience.
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Additionally, consider installing pergolas or shade sails to create shaded areas for outdoor living spaces. Our craftsmen can create a unique design to enhance your outdoor space and help you be cool!
- Shaded Outdoor Spaces: Pergolas and shade sails provide relief from direct sunlight. They create comfortable spots for relaxation, dining, or entertaining.
Using light-colored, reflective materials for patios and walkways can further reduce heat absorption.
- Reflective Surfaces: Light-colored patios, walkways, and pergolas reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it. This minimizes heat buildup and keeps the area cooler.
- Reduced Heat Retention: Light-colored materials retain less heat during the day, leading to cooler evenings. This is especially beneficial for outdoor gatherings.
Remember, thoughtful design and a mix of native plants, shade, and water features can transform your landscape into a refreshing retreat during Colorado’s scorching summers! πΏπποΈ


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