Video by Michaela Parker 

If there’s one thing all Mississippians can agree on, it’s that the summer sun can be brutal. I enjoy spending time on my back patio, but it’s hard to enjoy without shade. I’ve noticed several restaurants, parks, and pools have installed shade sails to provide shade to visitors. Why not install one in your own back yard? 

Shade sails are an inexpensive way to block harmful UV rays from your patio space, and they help cool off the area! You can purchase a sail online or at a home improvement store. Most sails come in a variety of colors, so it’s an easy way to brighten up your yard. Before purchasing, measure the space you want to shade to ensure you have a sail that properly fits. 

You will also need: 

• a drill
• turnbuckles
• ¼”chain 
• posts  
• hook screws
• concrete 

1. Determine your anchoring points. Shade sails are commonly in the shape of a triangle or rectangle. Keep in mind you will need an anchoring point for each corner of the sail. It’s smart to lay your sail where you want it to go and measure before installation. If you have a triangular sail, consider anchoring one end on the eaves of the house and the other two on posts in the ground. For a rectangle, add an additional hook on the eaves.  
2. Install wooden, steel, or metal posts in the ground. Make sure the poles are sturdy enough to hold the sail and endure wind. Secure the posts with concrete to ensure they are sturdy.
3. Install hooks on each anchoring point and lace a chain with turnbuckles on the shade sail grommets. Install the turnbuckles to all hooks and tighten until there is no slack in the sail. 
4. Sit back and enjoy the shade!

For more landscape projects, like Smart Landscapes on Facebook and visit their section of the MSU Extension website.  

Feel free to reach out to our Smart Landscape experts, Bob Brzuszek, Pat Drackett,andEddie Smith, with all your landscape questions!