Innovative tips for homeowners on how to avoid common outdoor summer ills
It’s officially summer. Some things about summer are great, like backyard BBQs and longer days. Some things about summer are not so great, like scorching temps and pesky mosquitos. If you want to relish the days of summer this year, here are some innovative tips that homeowners can use to make their backyard a safe haven from summer troubles.
Patio Misting System to Stay Cool
To keep your patio area cool and comfortable through the warmer months, consider installing a misting system. An outdoor misting system works by pressurizing water and forcing it through small openings or nozzles to create fine water droplets or mist. Depending on the type of system you choose, you can encircle your entire patio area with nozzles.
There are also portable misters that come as a kit to be used wherever you might need it.
If you’re on a budget or have a smaller area to cool, you can try a DIY water misting rack that requires a few materials like a PVC pipe and hose adaptor.
Image via Louvered Roof Systems
Shade Sails to Prevent Sunburn
Sunburn is one of those summer ills that can cause serious health issues, so avoiding it should be a top priority.
Shade sails, or sun shades, are removable pieces of symmetrical fabric that can block up to 97% of harmful UV rays. A shade sail is ideal for a backyard since it can cover a larger amount of area than a patio. You also don’t have to be confined to a structure. You can move freely around your yard, enjoying the shade provided by the shade sails. If you have a larger backyard, you can also set up several sails to provide the most amount of shade.
Another great benefit is that it’s not a permanent structure and can be taken down whenever you don’t need it anymore. It’s more economical than other solutions and can be customized as needed. Most companies offer a variety of colors, sizes, and fabrics, so you can match the look of your home.
Image via Flickr courtesy of Denver Awnings
Synthetic turf to Control Pests
Bugs are one of the number one annoyances most people have in the summer. It’s hard to enjoy your own lawn when you’re getting bitten or stung by bugs. The good news is that by installing artificial turf, you eliminate many things that attract bugs. For example, mosquitos are attracted to standing water. Artificial turf features an effective drainage system that prevents dampness or standing water. If the mosquitos can’t thrive in an environment where they can breed and lay eggs, they will eventually leave.
Secondly, artificial turf uses infill in place of actual soil. Sand or silica is used to keep the fibers in place, so no soil. Bugs that require soil to thrive, like ants, beetles, and mites, simply cannot survive in the environment of an artificial turf lawn.
You don’t have to spend time and money on harmful pesticides or other bug trapping devices. Artificial turf will prevent pests year-round.
Image via Shawgrass
Shawgrass has the product offerings that can transform an outdoor space into the focal point of a home. Together, we can create an outdoor space you can enjoy by providing a rich, lush, and beautiful look year-round.