When considering ways to reduce your energy bill, your thoughts probably turn to insulating your window frames, roof, pipes, and exterior walls – and that’s true! Did you know that heating and cooling costs could be reduced by strategically planting trees, shrubs and hedges on your property? If you’re interested in cutting costs – read on!
To determine where best to plant in order to impact temperature changes around the home, begin your landscaping project with a plan. Sketch a simple drawing of your property, including buildings (garden shed, garage, etc.), walk and driveways, patio surfaces and utilities, such as telephone and gas lines. This process allows you to quickly identify “free” planting space and where landscaping may be inhibited due to height or width restrictions, such as overhead utility wires. Use a variety of shaded pencils to differentiate your property’s features in various colours, such as inter-locking brick from grass.
Once the plan has been drawn, indicate the direction of the sun and prevailing wind with arrows for both summer and winter and the areas on your property that are most vulnerable to these climate conditions. Keep in mind the way water drains off your property and the location of existing trees and shrubs. You have now located where shade and/or wind protection is needed.
In the winter, trees, shrubs, or hedges can be used to shield your home from the harsh wind. By referring to your plan, you will be able to identify the direction of the wind and have a good idea where best to plant.
A properly chosen and located windbreak, such as a tree or shrub with dense leaves and needles, can dramatically reduce wind speed and insulate your home by creating “dead” air spaces. Ensure that the shrub or tree is planted at least 30 centimetres from property walls. Live in a snowy climate? Try low-lying shrubs that help trap the snow before it collects against exterior walls.
In the summer, shading from trees can reduce air temperatures by as much as 5 degrees celsius. Using trees and shrubs to shade can be a cost-effective way to reduce air-conditioning costs. Again, refer to your landscaping plan to identify the best location and approximate size of your shading plants.
Trees and shrubs with open branches and leaves allow a summer breeze to circulate while still providing shade. These plants are ideal for filtering the cooler morning sun from the east, while denser trees with spreading leaves and branches could be planted to the south of your property, which receives the most amount of sun. And, after the leaves drop in winter, light and radiant heat can still reach a home during the sun-starved winter months.
In its first year, a young tree will shade windows, and over the next 5 to 10 years it will provide shelter for your roof. On the other hand, low lying plants and shrubs provide shade for the ground and pavement around your property, which will reduce air temperature before it hits windows or exterior walls. Consider building a lattice or trellis with climbing vines - not only are they an attractive addition to a garden, but they also provide protection from the summer elements.
After concluding the type of landscaping your property requires, consult a landscape professional, reliable nursery and /or your local library for further information regarding the most appropriate plant for your energy reducing needs, budget and climate.
Trees and shrubs can be a significant investment, so ensure that your purchases are undamaged, that the branches, foliage and roots are healthy and that there is no indication of insects or disease. Many nurseries and plant stores offer guarantees for their plants.
By following a few simple and fun steps, you can landscape an energy efficient garden while adding beauty and value to your property.
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