Landscape to Save Energy
The Inside Story on Outside Power
By following these landscaping guidelines, a home can enjoy fantastic curb appeal and equally attractive lower energy bills at the same time.
- Plant shade trees on the East and West sides of your home to reduce cooling costs in the summer months. Typically, newly planted trees will begin shading windows in their first year and will reach your roof in five to 10 years.
- Planting shrubs, bushes and vines next to your house creates dead air space that insulates in both winter and summer. Plant so there will be at least one foot of space between full-grown plants and your home’s wall.
- During winter, dense, low-lying trees and shrubbery on the north and northeast sides of your home can help protect your home from wind chill.
- Decorative awnings and Bahama shutters are other options to help shade your windows from direct sunlight that can add heat gain to your home.
