Beat the Heat Before It Hits — How to Prep Your Backyard So It Stays Cool All Summer

As temperatures tick up, it’s the best excuse to spend more time in your outdoor spaces. However, when it gets too hot, you’ll likely be researching ways to keep your backyard cool this spring and summer.

Fortunately, there are many ways of creating a more comfortable atmosphere and upgrading the look of your outdoor space. To help you plan ahead this season, a pro shared her insights on how to cool down your backyard, whether you want to make big changes or are looking for quick fixes.

Add Structures for Shade

One of the most effective ways to keep the hot sun out is through physical structures. That could be a pergola, gazebo, or retractable awning.

“They block direct sunlight, reducing heat buildup on surfaces and providing cooler areas underneath,” says designer Kendall Chapman.

There are tons of options available, so you can find a choice that fits your outdoor style. And there are plenty of ways to beautify these structures, too. If you’re working with a bigger budget and want something more permanent, she suggests going down the custom route.

“Design pergolas equipped with fans, lighting, speakers, and retractable canopies for versatile comfort,” she adds.

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Incorporate Taller Trees Into Your Landscaping

Plants can greatly contribute to how cool your backyard feels. You can pick out trees with large leaves that soak up the sun (while blocking it for you) or evergreen shrubs for shade that look beautiful year-round.

“Planting taller trees, vine walls, or shrubs to the west of your yard helps block the harshest afternoon sun,” says Chapman. “This creates a microclimate—a little pocket of cooler, more livable space even on hot days.”

Bring in a Water Feature

To beat the heat, a water feature makes a major difference. Fountains can serve as a beautiful but effective way to do this, and sprinklers or misting systems offer additional functionality, whether that’s watering your lawn or keeping you cool.

“Evaporation from water features absorbs heat, lowering surrounding air temperatures,” says Chapman. “Combining a misting system with a fan essentially creates a DIY evaporative cooler (like a swamp cooler). This is one of the most effective tricks for heat relief in dry climates.”

If you’re thinking bigger is better, she recommends larger fountains, pools, and splash pads.

Install a Living Wall

Sure, a living wall is a lovely way to bring nature indoors, but it’s also a great outdoor feature—and useful for keeping cool.

“A vertical garden or ‘green wall’ doesn’t just save space—it acts like an insulator,” says Chapman. “It cools the wall behind it and can even help lower temperatures around patios when placed strategically.”

It’s perfectly possible to build your own with moss, succulents, ferns, vines, and other plants. If DIYing isn’t your favorite hobby, you can call in the experts to create a breathing, transpiring accent for your patio.

Use Reflective and Lighter Materials

When you’re selecting the furniture for your patio and backyard, materials make all the difference. While a sleek black set might look pretty or you might like the look of navy pillows, darker fabrics and materials will contribute to the heat.

“Darker materials [get significantly] hotter in direct sunlight compared to light-colored ones,” says Chapman. “Opting for light-colored or natural-toned furniture can make a noticeable difference in comfort, and prevent burned legs on metal chairs.”

Even if you’re not ready to upgrade your entire outdoor furniture arrangement, there are some cool DIY options. Chapman recommends making seats from pallets, which remain cooler than their metal counterparts.

Add an Outdoor Fan

Don’t overlook an outdoor fan when it comes to cooling down your backyard. Just like in your home, the outside equivalent can make a difference in keeping you and your guests at a more comfortable temperature this summer.

“Fans promote air movement, enhancing evaporative cooling on the skin and dispersing heat,” says Chapman.

You can go the permanent installation route and get one or two added to the covering over your patio or pergola, or you can opt for more affordable portable versions.

Choose the Right Materials for Ground Coverings and Paths

You can apply the same principle that you do to choosing outdoor furniture to choosing the flooring, ground coverings, and pathway materials around your backyard. Certain stones and materials will soak up heat and stay hot, so it’s good to know the best options for a cool step.

“Some gravels (like crushed limestone or granite) stay cooler underfoot than others,” says Chapman. “Pea gravel or decomposed granite tends to be cooler than black lava rock or basalt.”

Install an Outdoor Kitchen or Bar

Outdoor kitchens and separate dining areas are beautiful ways of making this possible if you have a larger budget. It gives you the chance to choose a prime location for where you eat and better protect it from the heat through roofs or other coverings and materials that remain cool to the touch, even if they’re exposed to the sun.

“Incorporate shaded cooking and dining areas to enjoy meals outdoors comfortably,” says Chapman.

A few other options that are quicker include adding a weather-resistant patio umbrella over your dining area or bringing in flowy, sun-resistant sails that offer much-needed shade and respite from the hot weather.

Add a Bamboo Screen or Wall

A fence, screen, or wall offers multiple purposes for your backyard. It adds flair, provides privacy, and increases shade. While there are numerous materials out there—from metal to wood to plastic—Chapman recommends bamboo.

“Bamboo privacy screens or fencing are not only eco-friendly and stylish, but they also diffuse sunlight and act as natural cooling barriers,” says Chapman. “Bonus: they’re budget-friendly and can be installed in an afternoon.”