LANDSCAPING – Tropical Patterns

REDUCE EXTERNAL CONCRETE AND PAVINGS CLOSE TO THE HOUSE AS AT NIGHT THEY RADIATE HEAT STORED DURING THE DAY
They also heat up any breeze moving across them and through the house. Better to replace with soil and vegetation to help keep the area cool.

WHITE AND REFLECTIVE STONES CAN REFLECT HEAT AWAY FROM OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS
If the sun reaches close to your living area during the day, dark, solid surfaces can hold heat and reflect it back during the evening when you normally want to lose heat. So reflect it away with white and reflective surfaces.

USE VEGETATION AROUND THE HOUSE TO REDUCE SOLAR GAIN
Vegetation reduces temperatures considerably by absorbing heat. Plantings, particularly to the south, west and east, will reduce overall house temperatures.

PALMS, TREES AND SHRUBS TO THE SIDE OF OPENINGS TO PROVIDE SHADE, NATURAL VENTILATION AND AESTHETIC LOOKS
Vegetation helps to calm and make houses feel more natural and works great in the tropics.

PLANT SMALLER SHRUBS ON EQUATOR SIDE TO REDUCE SHADING ON SOLAR PANELS
Consider where solar panels for water heating and electricity are and plant smaller trees and shrubs in this area.

REDUCE GRASS AREAS AS THEY NEED LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER
Grass areas are great, but keep to a minimum and place close to living area. REmainder of garden can be non natural or native plants and ground covers.

CLUMPING PALMS AND FRONDS CAN ACCENTUATE BREEZE BY THEIR ELASTIC SWAYING
Plant these near where people sit such as near outside eating tables and the movement from gentle breezes is accentuated by the swaying.

PLANT SHRUBS AND SMALL TREES NEAR HOUSE, TREES TO SHADE EAST AND WEST WALLS
Plant appropriate height plants in appropriate locations.