Living in Arizona means soaking up more than 300 days of sunshine each year—but it also means dealing with extreme heat that can turn your backyard into a space you avoid rather than enjoy. At Green Forever Arizona, we’re here to help you flip the script. With the right design, your outdoor area can stay cooler, look stunning, and remain functional year-round.
The secret? Combining artificial turf with a custom patio cover. This smart, sustainable pairing not only cuts down on maintenance and water use, but it also actively helps reduce the overall temperature in your yard.
Why Backyard Temperatures Matter
If you’ve ever walked barefoot across a sunbaked patio or scorched your feet on concrete, you know outdoor surfaces in Arizona can get hot. Temperatures on natural grass, gravel, and concrete can soar well above ambient air temps. This radiant heat not only makes your yard uncomfortable—it radiates back into your home, raising cooling costs and making summer less enjoyable.
Creating shade and minimizing heat-retaining materials are two of the best strategies to combat this. That’s where artificial grass and patio covers come in.
Artificial Turf: Not Just Pretty, But Cooler Too
- Reduced Heat Retention
Unlike concrete or stone, modern artificial grass is engineered with cool yarn technology that reflects more sunlight and retains less heat. This keeps the turf significantly cooler to the touch compared to pavers or asphalt. - Eliminates Heat-Intensive Landscaping
Traditional grass might seem cooler but requires heavy watering and doesn’t hold up well to Arizona sun. Meanwhile, rock gardens and gravel—often used as low-maintenance alternatives—absorb and radiate heat. Artificial turf offers a cooler, softer, and more comfortable surface. - Safer for Kids and Pets
Artificial turf stays cooler than other hardscape materials, especially when shaded. This makes it ideal for children’s play areas and pet zones, reducing the risk of burns on paws or bare feet. - Supports Passive Cooling
By covering bare soil and minimizing heat-retaining surfaces, turf contributes to a cooler overall microclimate in your yard.
Patio Covers: Your First Line of Defense Against the Desert Sun
- Blocks Direct Sunlight
The most effective way to cool an outdoor space is by blocking the sun’s rays. A solid patio cover provides full shade over patios, seating areas, and turf—reducing surface temperatures by as much as 20-30 degrees. - Lowers Indoor Cooling Costs
Patio covers reduce the amount of sunlight that hits adjacent windows and walls. This cuts down on heat transfer into your home, helping your A/C work less and maximizing energy efficiency. - Encourages Airflow and Ventilation
Our covers are designed to allow strategic airflow, which helps move hot air up and away from your space. Add ceiling fans for an extra boost of breeze. - Provides Shelter for Comfort and Protection
Stay outside longer with UV protection, rain shelter during monsoons, and a more comfortable entertaining space year-round.
How They Work Together to Beat the Heat
When used together, artificial turf and patio covers complement each other in creating a cooler, more comfortable outdoor environment.
- Patio Covers Provide Shade for Turf: Turf performs best when shaded. A cover can drop turf surface temps dramatically, making it safe to walk, sit, or play on even during peak summer.
- Reduced Heat Island Effect: Hardscapes like concrete and gravel raise surrounding temperatures. Turf combined with overhead shading cools the entire backyard footprint, helping mitigate this effect.
- Enhanced Usability: Want to host a barbecue, read a book outside, or watch your kids play without sweating buckets? The turf stays lush and usable, and the patio cover makes it feel like an outdoor living room.
- Energy Savings: Less radiant heat in your yard means your home stays cooler. This can lead to real savings on your utility bills.
Custom Design for Maximum Cooling
At Green Forever Arizona, we specialize in pairing turf and shade structures customized to your exact space, style, and budget. Here’s how we maximize comfort:
- Strategic Shade Placement: We evaluate your sun exposure and install patio covers in the most effective areas—especially west-facing patios that bear the brunt of afternoon heat.
- Cooling-Enhanced Turf Materials: Our turf options feature heat-reflective technology and quick-drying backings.
- Drainage and Ventilation: Our installations include built-in drainage systems and allow for proper airflow so your space stays dry and cool.
- Design That Fits Your Home: Whether you want a modern vibe or something more traditional, we’ll match your home’s aesthetic while maximizing cooling benefits.
Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient, and Low-Maintenance
Choosing artificial turf and patio covers isn’t just smart for comfort—it’s smart for sustainability.
- Reduced Water Usage: Turf eliminates the need for irrigation, saving thousands of gallons per year.
- Lower Emissions: With less reliance on lawnmowers and leaf blowers, you’re cutting down on emissions.
- Energy Savings: Shaded areas lower your home’s internal temps, reducing the need for constant A/C use.
- Long Lifespan, Less Waste: Our turf and cover systems are built to last and backed by warranties.
Designed for Arizona Living

Whether you’re in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, or near another one of our locations, Green Forever Arizona is your go-to team for backyard transformations that beat the heat. We offer:
- Expert design consultations
- Premium, locally-sourced materials
- Custom installations built for desert durability
- Long-term warranties for peace of mind
Ready to Cool Down Your Backyard?
At Green Forever Arizona, we help homeowners take control of their outdoor spaces with solutions that are beautiful, efficient, and built to last. When you combine the natural look and comfort of artificial turf with the unbeatable shade of a custom patio cover, you create an outdoor experience you can actually enjoy–even in the heat of summer.
Schedule your free design consultation and quote today, and let’s talk about how we can make your yard cooler, greener, and more livable.
Call (833) 476-4387 or schedule online to get started.