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Plant shade trees
![backyard shade ideas, fast growing trees backyard shade ideas, fast growing trees](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/shady-corner-in-a-patio-royalty-free-image-1686830803.jpg?crop=0.663xw:0.995xh;0.130xw,0.00455xh&resize=980:*)
A long-term natural solution is of course to plant trees. If you’re looking for shade in a relatively short period of time (say five or six years), opt for fast-growing trees such as red maples, sugar maples, Japanese zelkova or crepe myrtle . These are not messy trees or overgrown trees. Just make sure the tree you choose is suitable to survive winters in your USDA hardiness zone (find your zone here).
Learn more: 11 Best Pink Flowering Trees for Your Garden
Hang a shade sail
![garden shade ideas shade sail garden shade ideas shade sail](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/garden-furniture-set-in-the-garden-on-a-sunny-day-royalty-free-image-1686831076.jpg?crop=0.666xw:1.00xh;0.138xw,0&resize=980:*)
Shade sails attach to the house and a post or two to provide a semi-permanent shade covering solution. They come in different shapes, including triangular, square or rectangular, and are easy to fold flat and store out of season.
Build a gazebo
![gazebo garden shade ideas gazebo garden shade ideas](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/cedar-gazebo-rose-garden-park-penticton-british-royalty-free-image-1686831276.jpg?crop=0.66635xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Obviously, this is more of a long-term solution, but if you have a bare lawn, consider a gazebo. It will provide shade and make a striking focal point in your garden.
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Invest in a screened house
![gazebo with mosquito net gazebo with mosquito net](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/screened-gazebo-in-my-backyard-garden-retreat-in-royalty-free-image-1686841484-649f593b454bb.jpeg?crop=0.996938775510204xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
If you’re still being eaten alive by insects, a screen house, like Costco’s Viral Porch, can provide shade and protection from insects. Many can be installed and taken down once the season is over, before the cold or snow arrives.
Install a loggia
![pergola garden shade ideas pergola garden shade ideas](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/building-a-pergola-royalty-free-image-1686831366.jpg?crop=0.75xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
A loggia is a covered space attached to your home and extending along one side of the structure. It often has a solid roof but is not completely enclosed, like a veranda. But it’s another way to make the most of your outdoor space.
Install a pergola
![open pergola garden shade ideas open pergola garden shade ideas](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/potted-plants-in-garden-royalty-free-image-1686840687.jpg?crop=0.536xw:1.00xh;0.198xw,0&resize=980:*)
A pergola adds privacy and some shade; it may have open slats or include retractable shade sails to increase or decrease the level of shade as the day goes on. They are typically constructed of wood, steel or aluminum and can be installed permanently or used seasonally.
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Install a parasol
![shading ideas for garden shading ideas for garden](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/backyard-garden-area-royalty-free-image-1686831669.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0,0&resize=980:*)
Patio umbrellas are incredibly versatile. You can find them in all sizes to accommodate a small bistro set or a large dining table. Or you can install several for each area of the patio or deck that needs shade.
Relax in an outdoor daybed
![garden shade ideas outdoor daybed garden shade ideas outdoor daybed](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/day-bed-by-a-pool-in-tuscany-royalty-free-image-1686834607.jpg?crop=0.672xw:1.00xh;0.328xw,0&resize=980:*)
An outdoor daybed is the ultimate in decadent relaxation! With a retractable awning, you can enjoy your outdoor space in the sun or in the shade.
Upgrade to a Retractable Awning
![garden shade ideas retractable awning garden shade ideas retractable awning](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/awning-retracted-over-doorway-royalty-free-image-1686843600.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0.287xw,0&resize=980:*)
Old-fashioned metal awnings were our grandparents’ favorite. But these canvas awnings retract and store neatly against the house when not in use.
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Use an offset umbrella
![cantilever umbrella garden shade ideas cantilever umbrella garden shade ideas](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/patio-with-wooden-seats-coffee-table-and-sunshade-royalty-free-image-1686834393.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0.212xw,0&resize=980:*)
Offset or cantilever umbrellas provide a large amount of shade and do not require an umbrella table to hold them in place. The stand sits on one side of your space so it doesn’t take up too much space on the deck or patio.
Growing vines
![backyard shade ideas grow vines backyard shade ideas grow vines](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/garden-pergola-royalty-free-image-1686846570.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.751xh;0,0.123xh&resize=980:*)
Why not let greenery do the shade work? Form fast growing vines like jasmine, bouganvillea, or a kiwi vine on a trellis or small arbor to screen a view while adding shade at the same time. Just make sure the vine is suited to your USDA hardiness zone so it will survive your area’s winters.
Offer your pet a shaded shelter
![pop up dog tent with backyard shade ideas pop up dog tent with backyard shade ideas](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/french-bulldog-napping-inside-camping-tent-in-the-royalty-free-image-1686834794.jpg?crop=0.858xw:0.644xh;0.142xw,0.355xh&resize=980:*)
Animals need shade too! A pop-up shelter gives your fur babies some shade to lounge around when you’re outside with them.
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DIY lampshades with reed mats
![shading ideas for garden shading ideas for garden](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/interior-view-of-a-garden-gazebo-in-a-relaxing-royalty-free-image-1686842415.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0.331xw,0&resize=980:*)
Adding reed mats to an existing open pergola adds a tropical ambiance, while giving you better coverage from the sun. They can be easily removed when temporarily secured with zip ties or plastic zip ties.
Consider an arbor
![arbor garden shade ideas arbor garden shade ideas](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gazebo-in-japanese-garden-portland-oregon-united-royalty-free-image-1686842539.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.667xh;0,0.208xh&resize=980:*)
A gazebo doesn’t have to be huge. This is spacious enough to provide shade over a bench or bistro table and chair set.
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Best Choice Products Pop Up Canopy Tent
![Pop-up canopy tent Pop-up canopy tent](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1686841019-61eQ41qn2zL.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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Best Choice Products Pop Up Canopy Tent
Now 11% off
This 10×10 pop-up canopy tent is a quick solution that provides instant shade for backyard parties or family meals. It can be installed by one person and comes with a case for off-season storage.
Hang exterior curtains
![garden shade ideas outdoor curtains garden shade ideas outdoor curtains](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/chillout-lounge-on-wooden-terrace-royalty-free-image-1686834495.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0.234xw,0&resize=980:*)
If you already have a shed or pergola but need more sun-shading capabilities, hang a set of outdoor curtains. They bring shade, privacy and a sense of romance to the space. Make sure they are washable.
Arricca Elin SanSone wrote on health and lifestyle topics for prevention, country life, Women’s Day, etc. She is passionate about gardening, baking, reading and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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