Landscaping Landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to shade your home and block the sun. A well-placed tree, bush, or vine can deliver effective shade and add to the aesthetic value of your property. When designing your landscaping, use plants native to your area that survive with minimal care. When selectively placed around a house, they provide excellent protection from the summer sun and let winter sunlight reach and warm your house. The height, growth rate, branch spread, and shape are all factors to consider in choosing a tree.
Vines are a quick way to provide shading and cooling.
Grown on trellises, vines can shade windows or the whole side of a house. Ask your local nursery which vine is best suited to your climate and needs. During photosynthesis, large amounts of water vapor escape through the leaves, cooling the passing air. The generally dark and coarse leaves absorb solar radiation. You might also consider low ground cover such as grass, small plants, and bushes.