When most people think about saving energy, they picture insulation upgrades, efficient windows and appliance swaps. But your yard can play a major role, too. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a well-planned landscape can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 25% and pay for itself in less than eight years.
Choose the right trees
Deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in the winter) block sunlight in the summer and allow light in during the colder months, helping to regulate indoor temperatures year-round.
Evergreen trees provide consistent shade and can serve as windbreaks, which is especially helpful in cool climates.
Placement matters
On west and northwest sides of your home, plant trees to block strong mid- to late-afternoon sun. By east and west windows, plant deciduous trees to block the summer sun but still allow the winter sun to heat your home.
On the south side, tall trees planted at a distance equal to two to five times their mature height can shade your home without blocking winter sun. On the west side, shorter trees and shrubs help shield against intense, low-angle afternoon sun.
Utilize shade trees over patios and driveways to reduce reflected heat. Along the home’s perimeter, bushes can absorb sunlight and reduce heat transfer, but avoid dense plantings in humid climates, where airflow is important to prevent excess moisture.
If you have solar panels, avoid planting tall trees on the south side of panels to prevent shade during peak sun hours.
Winter windbreaks
The biggest consideration in landscaping to increase winter efficiency is creating windbreaks to stop wind chills from having as much of an effect on the temperature around your home.
Dense trees, such as evergreens and shrubs, make the best windbreaks. Do not plant trees too close to the south of your home if you plan on using sunshine to help heat your home. A good rule is to plant your trees at a distance of two to five times the tree’s mature height. If snowdrifts are a problem, plant shrubs on the windward side of your windbreak to help trap snow.
Summer shading
The biggest consideration in summer landscaping is shading your home from the heat. To the south of your home, plant tall trees to provide shade. If you plant these trees far enough away (two to five times the length of a grown tree), you will still be able to allow sunshine to warm your home in the winter.
To the west of your home, shorter trees and shrubs will provide protection from afternoon sun rays, which fall at shorter angles. Bushes around the perimeter of your home provide shade and absorb the sun’s rays. Avoid dense plants in areas where humidity is a problem. Air needs to be allowed to flow freely to keep the soil from becoming oversaturated.
Plan for a tree’s mature height
Avoid planting trees that will grow taller than 15 feet near power lines. For taller species, plant at least 20 feet away — 45 feet is even better — to prevent safety hazards and avoid future pruning.
Call before you dig
Before you plant anything, call 811 to check for underground utilities. This free service marks public lines, like electricity, water and gas, so you avoid costly and dangerous mistakes. Call several business days before you plan to dig. Visit SafeElectricity.org for more tips on energy safety and efficiency.
