ShadeTree awning and canopy concepts

What’s new?

Backyard shade … wherever you need it.
ShadeTree Canopies and awnings have developed an innovative way to get important sun protection, right in your own back yard.

We all need some exposure to sunlight. It’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb the calcium we need to have strong healthy bones. But too much of a good thing is bad, and it’s ever so easy to get too much sunlight. The result often shows up as skin cancer, premature aging and serious eye problems.

During the summer, television, newspapers and the internet are brimming with information on how to protect ourselves and our children by using sunscreens. Putting sunscreen on 20 to 30 minutes in advance of the sun exposure, and repeating the application as needed, along with wearing hats and protective clothing are a few of the most effective ways in protecting against the sun.

Around home, however, it’s also important to have a shady area where kids can play, or at least take a periodic break, and where adults can relax away from the sun’s heat and damaging UV rays. Shade havens like these are even more important for families who have back yard swimming pools.

An all-new way to provide this kind of shade relief virtually anywhere in a lawn is currently showing up this year at Home & Garden Shows around the country. Called Alpine ShadeMakers it’s a line of retractable canopies built into a rugged and attractive wood frame. Because it’s mounted on only two sturdy wood posts, it has a small footprint, yet it provides a generous shaded area, up to 21’ by 20’. Smaller versions are also available for tight areas, such as along a fence or wall, or tucked in beside a swimming pool.

The canopies ride in overhead tracks and can be extended or retracted in only seconds. When not in use, the retracted canopies enable sunlight to get into the area, so the owner can keep a healthy stand of grass growing in the shaded retreat. A wide variety of decorator, outdoor fabrics is available to make these shade structures an attractive addition to any back yard.

The makers offer a handy installation service, or do-it-yourselfers may prefer to do the job themselves, since the canopies come pre-assembled and a rugged, easy-to-install hardware kit is supplied to link the parts of wood structures

Each module has a built-in “wind-release” mechanism which lets the canopies float freely in their tracks in the event of a windstorm, thereby minimizing the chance of wind damage. And when cold weather arrives, the canopies can be taken down in only minutes and rolled up for compact winter storage.

For more information about these unique shade products, including free catalogs and a listing of Home & Garden Shows in your area where these products may be seen, contact ShadeTree Canopy Systems at 1-800-894-3801. Or visit their website at www.sha