Landscaping is unique in that every single property owner has a different set of parameters to work with. The best landscapers are masters at making the most out of the setup that they have and staying flexible in terms of updates. That way, they can achieve great results without having to make huge changes to their properties. With that said, sometimes you have to pursue a project to make your property more comfortable or efficient. For example, adding shade to a landscape is a nice way to instantly improve your landscaping and add some space for relaxation.

There are quite a few smart ways to add shade to your landscaping, which is why we’ve created a short guide to doing so below. Shade can provide you with a space to enjoy your outdoor space on a hot summer day, reduce your energy bills, and create a unique appeal for your property. If you think that your landscaping could use a little more shade, keep reading below. This article is brought to you by Cal Blend Soils, the leading supplier of landscaping products in California. Make sure to reach out to one of our team members today if you are interested in high-quality landscaping products at amazing prices.

Add Shade by Planting Trees

We all know how beneficial adding trees to a property can be. They can provide extra privacy on your property and be used for design purposes such as creating a natural focal point. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of trees is that they offer an aesthetically pleasing way to add shade to your property. Planting trees is an inexpensive way to gain shade and create a canopy on your property that will last for years.

There are several great trees to consider if you live in California and you want to gain some extra shade. For example, poplar trees, oak trees, and crape myrtle trees are all great choices that can make your property look great and provide a cool area for you to relax in on your property. Mature trees are often seen as a strong selling point should you ever be interested in moving, so keep that in mind as well. Just make sure you don’t accidentally plant a tree that will outgrow the space you have allotted for it to grow in.

Plant Hedges for Partial Shade

Continuing with the theme of planting new things to add shade to your property, if you want to create some partial shade on your sidewalks or patios, you can consider adding hedges into the mix. Hedges are nice because they are very beautiful to look at and fairly easy to maintain. Planting them around walkways and patios can offer a little extra shade along with a great looking landscape design.


If you decide to add hedges to your landscaping, just remember that you will need to keep them trimmed. They can also provide shade for your flower beds or gardens if you find that your plants are struggling due to excessive sunlight. This is another smart way to add shade to your landscaping.

Add Covered Porches or Decks

If you are really looking for added comfort and the opportunity to spend time outside on your landscape without having to face the heat, adding a covered porch or deck to your property is the way to go. Although these projects will require an investment after you have them built out you will be able to enjoy countless days outside sitting in the shade.

A screened-in outdoor area will prevent bugs from attacking you while you are outside and provide the perfect location for hosting friends and family. This is a smart way to add shade to your property while also improving its market value.

Add a Pergola

Adding a pergola to your outdoor space is a great way to increase the amount of shade on your property and can help you reach new levels of relaxation. A pergola is essentially an outdoor room with cross rafters and no walls. It’s a freestanding structure that could be the place you want to spend the most time while you are outdoors.

Pergolas are great because they help you to maximize the outdoor space that you have. It can also be used as an interesting landscape design element thanks to all of the customizable options you can choose from. If you love entertaining guests, a pergola is one of the best ways to add shade to your property in a smart way.

Use Trellis Vines

If you are interested in adding some shade to your property in a natural way, using trellis vines is a good way to go. These vines are known to grow upwards and can provide some extra shade for you in areas that need it. These plants can add a lot to the overall look and feel of your property while growing upwards so that they cast shadows downwards. They are a great option to consider if you are interested in adding some extra shade to your landscaping.

Sitting in the Shade

Shade is important for a landscape for so many different reasons. Sometimes your plants are not able to thrive under the full force of the sun. Other times, you are just interested in creating a shaded area so that you can enjoy all of the hard work you put into your landscaping. If you know that you want to add shade, make sure that you approach the project in a smart manner. Keep the tips mentioned above in mind to add shade to your landscaping in some sensible and straightforward ways.

As a reminder, if you are interested in using landscaping supplies to improve your property, you can always head over to Cal Blend Soils for help. We offer discounts on bulk purchases and can even deliver our great products to the location of your choice. Connect with one of the Cal Blend Soils team members today to learn more.