If you live in an area with extreme weather patterns and harsh temperatures, then it might feel as if creating the outdoor getaway of your dreams is going to be completely impractical. While sweltering summers and frigid winters can wreak havoc on your yard, there are a few outdoor features that should be able to stand up to almost any type of weather.

Metal or Fiberglass Patio Cover

When it comes to building a patio cover, there are many different materials to choose from. Wood patios have remained very popular for many decades, but some homeowners are now switching over to sturdier options like fiberglass and aluminum. Once painted, those materials look almost exactly like wood, and they are going to stand up to years of abuse. They are also very easy to maintain, and you probably won’t have to do anything more than hose them off once every few weeks.

Brick Patio

Even though solid concrete patios are very common, changing temperatures and moisture in the soil can cause them to shift. Over time, that shifting could result in a variety of issues including long cracks and crumbling edges. One of the best alternatives to a concrete patio is a patio made of brick pavers. Those bricks are going to have a little bit of space in between them, and that will allow them to expand and contract without cracking.

Built-In Fire Pit

If you live in an area that gets high winds and heavy snowstorms, then you probably don’t want to have a portable fire pit in your yard. Those metal containers can be quite sturdy, but they could get blown around or knocked over when it is windy. A built-in fire pit is going to withstand quite a bit of wear and tear, and that type of feature is fairly easy to install. You might also want to invest in a fire pit cover that keeps the hole from filling up with water.

Mature Trees

When it comes time to upgrade the landscaping in your yard, mature trees are probably going to be the best option. Younger trees are much more affordable than mature trees, but most saplings will die off within just a few weeks in extreme temperatures. Mature trees that are properly transplanted should be very strong, and many nurseries offer limited guarantees on their plants.

Once you have a few of these features in place, you will need to make sure that you keep them properly maintained. A little bit of outdoor maintenance could help you avoid a wide variety of issues including bent posts, cracked bricks, and dying trees.