Sizzle-Proof Your Yard Before Summer with Hardscaping and Trees: How to Create a Backyard That Won’t Melt Before You Do

The Power of Hardscaping in Heat Reduction

Hardscaping, including patios, walkways, pergolas, and retaining walls, plays a crucial role in temperature control. The right materials and placement can minimize heat absorption and even reflect sunlight, keeping surfaces cooler. Here’s how PROS Tree and Landscape can make hardscaping work for Arizona homeowners.

• Light-Colored Pavers: Opt for lighter shades that reflect heat rather than absorb it.

• Gravel or Decomposed Granite: These materials provide a natural look while preventing heat buildup.

• Shaded Patios: Incorporate pergolas, awnings, or shade sails to cool off your lounging space.

• Concrete Slabs with Expansion Joints: These allow heat to dissipate rather than be absorbed into the ground, keeping surfaces cooler.

• Reflective Hardscape Materials: Using materials such as travertine or sandstone can minimize heat absorption, making patios and walkways more comfortable.

Trees: Nature’s Air Conditioning

At PROS Tree and Landscape, our certified arborists specialize in selecting and maintaining the best trees for Arizona’s harsh climate. Their expertise ensures that your trees thrive with minimal water while maximizing shade and cooling benefits. When you work with our certified arborists, you can trust that your landscaping is in the hands of trained professionals who understand the unique needs of Arizona yards.

• Deciduous Trees for Year-Round Comfort: Our arborists recommend desert-friendly shade trees like Palo Verde and Desert Willow that block the summer sun while allowing warmth through in the winter.

• Layered Shade for Maximum Cooling: We combine drought-tolerant trees with shrubs and vines to create multiple layers of cooling shade without excessive water use.

• Strategic Placement for Efficiency: Our specialists position trees near patios, seating areas, and western-facing windows to block the strongest afternoon sun.

• Fast-Growing, Low-Water Varieties: Need shade fast? Our certified arborists can recommend and plant quick-growing species like Tipu trees and Mesquite, which provide excellent coverage with minimal maintenance.