Get Shade
Make shade! There are many things you can do to make your yard a more enjoyable place for kids to play while keeping them safe from the sun at the same time. Planting trees, adding a covered patio or even putting patio umbrellas over sand boxes and other play areas will protect your family and may add value to your home as well.
Whether your family plays outside in the same place each day, or you go to different areas to be physically active, there are many ways to help them stay in the shade with the help of trees, permanent shade structures and portable shade structures.
To get started with shade:
- Take a look at your backyard and access how much shade you have.
- If possible, plant trees in open spaces.
- Erect temporary and permanent shade structures in open spaces where your family spends time.
- Put umbrella stands on picnic tables where your family eat meals outside.
- Encourage your family to use shaded areas.
It is important to note that shade does not offer 100% protection from the sun. This is because the sun's rays reflect off of many surfaces and can reach you in the shade. For example, lawn grass reflects up to 2% of UV, concrete sidewalks reflect up to 8%, asphalt reflects up to 9%, dry sand reflects up to 18%, two-day old snow reflects up to 50% and fresh snow reflects up to 88%! For these reasons, it is very important to develop a multitude of sun-safe habits.
Click here for a list of companies that sell shade structures.
