Creating a peaceful, cool backyard retreat means blending smart design, clever planting, and intentionality. Everyone wants to maximize comfort during this hot, humid summer.
Keep reading to learn more about how to craft your beautiful and practical backyard oasis with Milosi Landscape, a backyard designer in Nashville!
Work with a Backyard Designer to Plan Smart Shading
When the summer heat hits its peak, shade becomes your best friend. That’s where working with a backyard designer in Nashville truly pays off. They will evaluate your yard’s orientation, sun exposure, and wind patterns to determine the best places to bring in some shade; whether with umbrellas, shade sails, pergolas, or strategically placed trees:
- Trees like sugar maples or crape myrtles provide canopy shade while contributing to your local ecosystem.
- Pergolas with climbing vines, like wisteria or jasmine, offer dappled shade and fragrance.
- Shade sails can cover patios without blocking airflow.
Talk with a designer about mapping sun angles and helping you choose native, shade-providing trees that thrive in our Middle Tennessee climate!
Use Cooling Plants and Native Plants for Comfort
Integrating native and drought-tolerant plants helps cool your yard naturally. Turf, groundcovers, and vegetation all lower surrounding temperatures and reduce heat buildup:
- Native trees and shrubs: Oaks, magnolias, and holly are well-adapted to our summers and deliver cooling shade.
- Groundcovers and grasses: These increase humidity at ground level, helping to reduce air temperature.
- Flowering perennials: Species like coneflowers and bee balm attract beneficial wildlife and add seasonal color.
Nashville’s native plants live in our heat, require less maintenance, and help moderate microclimates.
Design a Cooling Hardscape with Airflow in Mind
Hard surfaces can either trap heat or facilitate airflow. Proper materials and layout choices make all the difference in crafting a patio or walkway that actually helps cool down your outdoor space. Here are some ideas for cooler materials:
- Permeable pavers or gravel allow rainfall to cool the surface naturally.
- Light-colored stone or concrete absorb less heat.
- Raised pathways and open edging promote airflow.
Want your hardscape to stay cool underfoot? Let a backyard designer in Nashville help you choose material and patterns that encourage airflow and shade.
Add Water Features That Delight and Cool
Did you know that even subtle water features lower ambient temperatures and creates soothing white noise? Consider:
- Fountains or bubblers in planters for refreshing midday mist.
- Reflecting pools or small ponds to cool surrounding air and attract wildlife.
- Misty cooling systems along pergolas for a spa-like feel.
Use Smart Outdoor Lighting and Fans for Nighttime
Summer evenings should be as comfortable as the days. Here’s how to ensure your backyard stays cool and inviting after sunset:
- LED string lights and path lighting create ambiance without adding heat.
- Outdoor ceiling fans or stand fans under pergolas circulate breezes and stifle humidity.
- Dimmer switches and solar options allow you to customize lighting and save energy.
Milosi Landscape: Your Backyard Designer in Nashville
At Milosi Landscape, we understand how to design outdoor spaces that combine comfort, functionality, and beauty. We begin with a thoughtful consultation and custom grading that controls water and temperature. Then, our designers will create functional hardscapes and cooling plant palettes designed for Nashville’s heat.
We also deliver immersive renderings, attention to drainage, lighting, water features, and outdoor living materials. Work with a backyard designer in Nashville who understands the local climate and is dedicated to understanding your goals.
Contact us at Milosi Landscape today to design a backyard oasis that keeps you cool, comfortable, and connected all summer!