Backyard shade needed
This is our backyard in Denver Colorado. The backyard faces west and looking to get some afternoon shade from the hot summer sun. I drew a couple of options on where to place a shade structure. An umbrella for the table would ruin the vibe, it's too windy and we're not responsible enough to put it down every night. We would like to purchase the sunshade for a more permanent option.
Comments (17)
la_la Girl
last yearThat would be a big improvement for sun control - i would get a pro installer personally - (in a more protected location i might feel more comfortable with a DIY install)
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Shade tree advice for backyard
Comments (19)contact your COUNTY extension office.. or soil conservation office.. and ask them about your soil .... either those.. or your Ag office.. should have a forester on call ... and i bet offhand.. he can tell you what grows like weeds in your area ... besides blueberry in SW MI ... i think of SW MI as one of the breadbaskets of MI .. crop-wise.. and i am finding it hard to believe.. you would be much restricted in tree selection.. due to soil ... you cant really be thinking.. there are limited selections of oak due to soil types out there .. that would confuse me.. so i am attacking your original premise.. that your soil is really an issue ... it may well be so ... but it might not.. but what ever you do.. do NOT assume... [you know the rest of assuming.. i am sure] ... ken...See MoreNeed some opinions on shade trees for smallish backyard
Comments (5)I'd consider the "Autumn Blaze" cultivar of Freeman maple. Freeman maples are crosses between Acer rubrum (red maple) and Acer saccharinum (silver maple). They inherit a tendency towards red fall color from the rubrum and a bit more tolerance to soil alkalinity from the silver. Pretty good trees. You have enough room there for most any shade tree(s). I like Northern Red Oak too, and the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) also. The latter tree does have the genes to get very tall, but I don't consider that a problem. I'd not plant ash trees where you are. EAB is in your area. And while yellow birch is one of my very favorite hardwoods, it is very much a denizen of cool, northern forests. Unlikely to be happy in the Chicago suburbs. +oM...See Moreneed help with new backyard - shade and ivy
Comments (5)We had a difficult time removing ivy (in fact, we're still in the process). We hired people to bring in a Kubota and rip out as much as possible. Then, we had to cut the large pieces with a machete and spray RoundUp into the cuts (don't bother spraying the leaves, the waxiness protects them). If you decide to spray instead of rip it up, you need to damage the leaves with a weedwacker before spraying or it will not penetrate. You might not have to hire someone, a pickaxe/shovel would work well. We had about 1/2 acre of the stuff and we're still removing it from our ancient maples. The elderly gentleman next door says that no one did anything with the ivy for at least 60 years. That being said, it was definitely worth it. We found so much debris in the post-ivy areas that could have hurt our dogs or children (broken glass, asbestos tile, etc.). Now there's so much more room to run around. Good luck and happy ivy hunting!...See MoreNeed help designing Capitol Hill backyard with lots of shade!
Comments (6)Many times I'm OK with matching odds 'n ends. But the brick path seems to be in opposition to a contrary pattern that could be happening within the flagstone field. I would consider removing the brick if they're not mortared in and re-using them at the far end of the patio, border-like, or something similar. (If the brick were curved in the opposite direction AROUND the tree, I might contemplate otherwise.) Then, consider installing the new flagstone with TIGHT joints (which would require saw-cutting) in order for it to be of compatible character with the existing ashlar pattern stone. I would not make wide joints with moss in between. Instead, make greenery all around the patio perimeter. Also, I think it would also be better to find a nice paint scheme and paint the little storage shed. Consider an overall layout as follows ......See MoreMrs. S
last year
zoey z
last yeararcy_gw
last year
PROBeverlyFLADeziner
last yearCOSTCO sells retractable awnings.
https://www.costco.com/awnings.html
Amazon sells retractable awnings also.
fnmroberts
last yearOur patio is oriented SW. Before the trees grew there were valances on the pergola and umbrellas in use too.
Once lived in Lakewood CO so know your tree selection there is somewhat limited.
vinmarks
last year
WestCoast Hopeful
last year
PROclt3
last yearWe installed this one from Costco. My husband and I put all of the pieces together (and we have no experience) and a friend came with 2 other guys and they erected it.
ginatay124
last yearWe live not far from you and so far we’ve found these cantilever umbrellas on a wheeled base to be the most practical shade option for us. They can be tilted almost vertical for the evening sun and the wheels allow them to be re-positioned as the sunset moves from south to north during the summer. We have three of them. However, we are religious about putting them down when we aren’t around and keeping them covered so the sun doesn’t rot them. This will be our third summer with them:
PRODiana Bier Interiors, LLC
10 months agoSusie .
10 months agoDiana is right about the pergola, unless it has a roof. And the sun will get under the shade on the west.
A screen can help with the sun coming in under an awning, but it’s more of a project than a sun shade. I grew up in Colorado - I miss the sunny days more than anything! You get a lot of sun. Definitely talk to a professional about a shade/canopy. They will have ideas for you. Think about planting some evergreens in the fall. Norway spruce should grow well there and help with some shade.
- PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
10 months ago 
ShadyWillowFarm
10 months ago
partim