The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Small Home Landscaping
Summer shade, of course, is needed. Although this can be obtained from beach umbrellas, awnings and similar equipment, these do not temper the hot air. A paved terrace or patio absorbs considerable heat and can become uncomfortably hot. Trees, vines, shrubs and grass are the best means for cooling the air. If the structure is small and you can only plant one tree, its position with regard to the sun's path must be selected. If set in the middle of the terrace or patio, shade is given only until shortly afternoon. By approximately 2 p.m., the shade has shifted, leaving the terrace exposed to the hot afternoon sun. (See Trees for Shade.) Vines on an over-head trellis combined with trees give complete shade. But the vines must be carefully selected. Many are rampant and must be continually restrained by constant pruning; others are subject to insects and other pests and are continually dropping leaves and debris. (See Vines.)
Advantage, too, must be taken of prevailing summer breezes. Over a greater section of the country, these are generally southeast or southwest. But check your locality for this factor. The top of a hill or other height usually has a breeze in addition to other advantages. But you may require protection from sweeping winds in winter and spring and, not infrequently, in summer too. A windbreak is needed at that point and this is obtained by planting fast-growing, dense shrubs. (See Hedges and Windbreaks.) It should be so placed that it does not interfere with the summer breezes. Strong winds generally rise in the northwest or northeast; there are local differences, of course.
The terrace at the foot of a slope, though protected from winds, could be both very hot and very cold. Provision must be made accordingly. Cold air, like water, flows downhill to collect in pockets at lower levels unless some means are used to permit it to drain away. An enclosed terrace is a trap. You'll wonder why the floor is so cold and why the plants on the terrace get the first frost. Cold air can be diverted from the terrace by a barrier, either a low fence or hedge which, curving around the terrace, conducts the air away from it. For circulation when cool air is welcome, one or two openings in the hedge or fence (such as low gates) which can be opened and closed when necessary will provide the proper control.
