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Landscaping for Energy Efficiency
The proper placement of trees and shrubs around a home will have a significant
impact on the energy required to heat and cool the structure. The few
simple strategies outlined below will not only increase the property
value of your home, but also decrease energy costs. Techniques will
vary slightly from region to region, but with knowledge of local conditions
and some common sense, the immediate environment can be maximized for
energy efficiency. Planting shade trees to the south of your home is
one of the most obvious energy saving techniques; deciduous trees will
block the hot summer sun, but allow the winter sun to reach the house.
In some areas, planting a deciduous shade tree to the southwest or west
may be desired. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the proper
placement of only three trees will save the average household between
$100 and $250 in annual energy costs. Be sure to account for the mature
size of the tree - a common mistake is to plant too close to the house.
Evergreen trees are useful as a winter windbreak; a double or staggered
row of dense evergreens on the windward side of the home can save an
average of 25% of energy costs, even more in windy areas. A South Dakota
study found that windbreaks to the north, west and east saved an average
of 40% in fuel consumption. This technique is even more effective when
smaller evergreens are included on both sides of the larger trees. Plant
your windbreak at a distance from your home equal to three to five times
the height of the mature trees. Choose plant material that is appropriate
for your region. To the south of your home, shade trees with high spreading
crowns like oak, maple and ash are best to block the summer sun. To
the west, trees with lower crowns, or evergreens, can be used to shade
the hot afternoon sun. Avoid the fast growing trees like willow, poplar
and silver maple - these are short lived and brittle. Smaller plants
can also help reduce energy costs. Vines are quick growing and will
shade a south or west wall in one or two seasons. Vines can also be
grown on a strategically placed trellis or on a pergola that covers
the entire patio area. Shrubs planted near the house will help to shield
from the cold wind of winter and the hot sun of summer. In very damp
climates, however, keep plantings at a sufficient distance from the
house to insure adequate air circulation. Groupings of shrubs can be
used to "funnel" cool, nighttime breezes to open windows. If the incoming
air is from low vents or screened windows and the outgoing air leaves
the structure at a higher point, this "chimney effect" moves a lot of
air and does an excellent cooling job. If you're in an area which cools
off in the evening, give this a try. When designing your new landscape,
or adding to the existing, keep in mind that each region and each site
has unique characteristics which must be considered to maximize energy
efficiency. Study these characteristics in all seasons. For advice specific
to your region, you might find some help at your County Extension Office,
which you can find it here:
http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/statepartners/usa.htm
Do you want a quote for
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you Do-It-Yourselfer's like to see a list of handy tools for job.
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of 411 Home Repair,
and is only a suggestion and/or comments submitted to our site to share
with our site viewers through the world wide web.
Submitted by:
Dan Eskelson
Clearwater Landscapes,
Inc.
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