When you start looking at landscape design options for your yard, you might factor in plants, lighting, and the overall flow of the space. But any landscape design expert will tell you that it’s about more than that. It should be an outdoor paradise and a haven for peace and rest. To achieve that, you have to incorporate areas to relax and entertain guests.

A common problem people face, however, is that the weather can do a lot of damage. The UV rays in the sun can make plastic outdoor furniture fade and perish. Water can rot wicker furniture and make patio areas unusable. Wind can make sitting outside unpleasant too. The weather has a lot to answer for.

That’s why it’s essential to factor extreme weather into your landscape design. Here are a few things that may be helpful to consider.

Wind Shelter

When you start looking at places to put your outdoor furniture, factor in the wind direction – or the wind in general. Is your house going to provide enough cover? Are there are enough plants to stop it from being a problem? Consider windbreaker plants and even trellis to break some of that wind’s flow. Your entertainment area will be a far more pleasant place to be in.

UV Protection

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your favourite outdoor furniture fade and rot away to nothing due to intense sunlight. The average temperature during an Australian summer is 30 degrees-Celsius, meaning you need to act fast. When you buy furniture, find out whether it has UV protection. If not, invest in covers to place over furniture to protect it when you’re not using it.

Rain Protection

There’s a lot you can do by way of landscape design to stop the rain causing issues in your outdoor area. You can invest in pull-out shelters that attach to your roof. You can look at pergolas which add a lot of value to your yard.

You could even buy a simple sunshade or invest in a more permanent over-hanging structure. The sky’s the limit. Remember to cover all barbecues and outdoor furniture to protect them from moisture.

Coastal Protection

If you’re fortunate enough to live near the sea or ocean, then coastal protection is a must. Where possible, avoid buying steel that’s prone to rust, and consider as much powder coating as possible. Alternatively, schedule in regular maintenance to stop rust from destroying your much-loved outdoor furniture.

Weatherproofing your yard should begin at the initial landscaping stages. If you’re not sure where to start, then call your local landscaping expert for assistance. The more protected your yard is from the weather, the more often you’ll be able to enjoy it.