Proving to be a valuable investment, landscaping is one of the best ways to reduce your home energy costs and add aesthetic benefits to your surrounding community. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a landscape which is well designed will:

• Significantly reduce summer and winter energy costs.
• Provide protection against the sun during the summer and winter wind.
• Reduce water, pesticide, and fuel use for landscaping and lawn maintenance.
• Work to reduce noise and air pollution.

The planting of trees provides shade and can be one of the most cost effective ways of reducing air conditioning costs. Furthermore, planting trees can have a household energy savings of up to 25 percent. Computer models produced by the U.S. Department of Energy show that by properly placing trees, the average household can save up to $250 annually in energy costs. The turnaround time on an initial landscape investment on average is 8 years.

Summer

Using trees to provide shading is a simply way to reduce warm air. Trees can reduce air temperature in shaded areas by as much as nine degrees. Air directly under a tree can be as much as 25 degrees cooler than a nearby structure with a black surface because cool air tends to settle close to the ground.

Winter

During the winter season, trees and other landscaping features can work to act as a shield against winds for your house. A well-planned landscape can reduce heating bills in windy climates by one-third.

In addition to energy savings, proper landscaping can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, erosion, provide food, and protect water supplies. A study by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) estimated there to be 100 million tree spaces in urban areas. If trees were planted in each of these available spaces electric power plant emissions could be cut by 35 million tons annually.

Design

When building a home, the best way to maximize energy efficiency is to use a design which admits low-angle sun during the winter, rejects overhead sun during the summer, and minimizes cooling effects from winter winds.

The USDOE recommends the house be aligned with the long axis facing east-west. The part of the home with the largest window area should face south or southeast. Fewer windows should be placed on the north- and west-facing walls for winter winds.

Trees

There is an abundance of trees fit for almost any shading purpose required. Deciduous trees are best for blocking summer heat and letting it in during winter while evergreen trees and shrubs are best for long-lasting shade and blocking winds. Before making any final decisions and to find out more information on regionally appropriate plants, consult with a local nursery or landscaping specialist.