A pergola is a great decorative way to provide shade to part of your yard. Pergolas come in different designs but generally consist of posts or pillars supporting cross beams or latticework. You can have open pergolas or use them to support vines, increasing their shade. Pergolas can be easy to maintain, but using them to support growing plants can have more difficult maintenance requirements. Whatever maintenance they require, you want to make sure and handle it. Properly maintained, a high-quality pergola can add shade and beauty to your yard for decades.