There’s a lot going on in the space around our homes. Competing factors of aesthetics, safety, energy efficiency and water conservation are a lot to consider. Thoughtful planning and good design with landscaping can address these factors and result in year-round energy savings.
Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a typical household’s energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Strategically placed deciduous trees allow for summer shade and passive solar heat gain in the winter when leaves have fallen. This can lead to energy savings in the summer and winter.
Slower-growing trees might take longer to provide maximum shading benefit, but their roots are typically deeper, and branches are stronger. These factors can make them less likely to be damaged by wind, snow or ice, and be more drought-resistant.
Be sure to plant large trees far enough away from your home to prevent damage from falling branches or root damage to your home’s foundation. Consider smaller plantings closer to the home to shade walls, windows or hardscaped surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks.
Windbreaks are another landscaping strategy that can be beneficial for energy savings in windy areas. The DOE says windbreaks reduce wind speed by as much as 30 times the windbreak’s height. That, in turn, reduces wind chill near your home and can lower heating costs. The DOE recommends planting two to five times the mature tree’s height away from your home.
Plant evergreen trees and shrubs for windbreaks and consider adding fences or earthen mounds to help lift the wind up and over your home. In cold climates, they offer the added benefit of acting as a living snow fence to keep snow from piling up against your home.
Keep areas around dryer vents, heat pumps and air-conditioning units clear to ensure access for maintenance and airflow around those locations.
When landscaping, always consider safety first. Call before you dig to ensure you know where any underground power, gas, water or sewer lines are located. Call 811 or go to illinois1call.com before you dig to get underground utilities marked.
Be mindful of overhead power lines, too. Look up and check the surroundings before setting up ladders. Be thoughtful when planting new landscaping that could encroach on power lines. Utility equipment should have at least 10 feet of clearance.
As you prepare to refresh your yard for the coming spring and summer, consider ways you can boost your energy efficiency for more comfort and savings year-round.
Photo courtesy of Mark Gilliland
