Energy efficient landscapes begin with the right plant in the right place. This can contribute to reduced heating and or cooling costs. Trees are a landscape's greatest energy savers when planted in the right place. Tall trees (eg maples,oaks) should be planted 25' from a home's southside to shade south-facing windows and the roof during the summer months when the sun is highest. Broader and shorter trees (eg crape myrtle, redbud) should be planted 20-50' from a home's east and west walls to block the morning and late afternoon sun that can also overheat a home during the summer months. This should reduce the need for air conditioning, as well as cool the air through evapotranspiration. According to the EPA a building's shaded walls may be 9 to 36 degrees cooler than unshaded walls. Studies have shown that by shading 20 percent of a home- the equivalent of planting one tree to the west and another to the south- annual savings of 8 to 18 percent may be realized. Another way to save energy is by protecting a north facing wall in winter by planting an evergreen (eg cypress,holly) windbreak. I can perform a free landscape energy audit for anyone who may be interested.
