With the South Pacific decorating craze now in full tilt across the nation, more people are now challenging themselves to see just how far they can take it. This of course is a design and decorating path that leads directly to the grass umbrella.

A Grass Umbrella – The Perfect People Magnet

Install one in your yard and you have what is in effect the perfect “people magnet” that will draw your guests like ants to fresh spilled honey. However; before you begin in earnest on your plans to plant one in your yard, there are a few things that you will need to know.

To Build one is No Simple Task

To build one from scratch is no minor task. To understand and appreciate this, you must view one up close on a beach in Mexico or Tahiti. The raw wood framing is prepared meticulously and the ends plug together in a delicately and intricately carved “post in pinion” technique.

Solidly Built to Last in Tough Conditions

You see, in a tropical climate a grass umbrella has two functions. One is to shield from the sun and the other is to shield from the frequent and quite heavy tropical rains. Also, they must also withstand lashing winds that rake the coastline every year.

Something to Consider

There are several styles of lighter, prefabricated grass umbrellas that you can buy online. Remember, once again that unless you are going to be experiencing wild tropical weather you can easily get by with a lighter more decorative model.

More to Consider

Another thing to consider, is that the actual grass on the top of your umbrella can be a fire hazard unless it is treated appropriately. It's not a problem in humid tropical climates where they originate. However; in a more arid place such a Las Vegas Nevada or Tucson Arizona, one spark from your fire pit can lead to a big problem in an untreated grass umbrella