Landscaping, the Original 'Green' Technique
Plants Enhance Beauty, Energy Efficiency & the Environment
Jun 15, 2009
Here’s a three-for-one deal for thrifty home-owners to enhance the beauty of their landscape, the energy efficiency of their home and the condition of the environment: plant trees, shrubs and gardens.
Typically, energy conservation efforts focus on insulation, heating and cooling equipment, window types and attic fans. However, thoughtful landscape design can actually lower the demands put on air conditioning and heating systems, according to landscape architects. A common example is the use of shade trees in strategic locations, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Plant Trees to Lower Energy CostsPlanting deciduous trees on the south side of a house provides shade and lowers the cooling load during summer months by providing a solar shield. Deciduous trees are preferred over conifers because they drop their leaves in the fall, letting sunlight through to provide solar heating in the winter, lowering the heating bill as well.
The best selections are fast-growing varieties, like maples, burr oaks and river birches. Just ensure that the wood of the mature tree will withstand strong winds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the house the tree is supposed to protect.
Keep these things in mind when considering which type of tree to plant:
- Know its size at full maturity.
- Choose a location where it has room to grow and will provide direct shade from overhead sun on the south side and low-angle sun on the east and west sides.
- Trees to the south should be fairly close to the house, but not closer than one-half the mature-crown diameter.
- Trees on the east and west sides should provide a screen against the morning and evening sun.
- Trees can save money on heating and cooling while adding beauty and value to a property. An environmental bonus: They help clean the air by scrubbing it of polluting carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen in exchange.
Additional Landscaping Options to Beat the Heat
Bushes and other shrubbery can cast a beneficial shadow, too. They are especially useful in shading an air conditioner, as long as they are planted far enough away to leave enough ventilation for operating efficiency.
Climbing vines can also cool a house. Boston ivy or Engelman's ivy are both fast-growing species that provide thermal protection quickly.
Other landscaping tricks that promote energy savings include installing a small pond, fountain or waterfall in a strategic location to lower the cooling costs. Placing either in a spot where the prevailing winds blow across them before reaching the house will provide cooling benefits as well as the beauty of landscaping.
Better Homes & Gardens offers additional ‘green’ outdoor tips that conserve both energy and cash.
- Welcome the Wildlife: Backyard ecosystems are complex, and their small wild inhabitants can contribute to a healthier lanscape. Birds eat many insects; they just need a water source and trees and shrubs for cover and nesting. Ladybugs are voracious eaters of aphids, which can destroy flowers and garden vegetables.
- Support Local Farmers: Typical grocery store produce travels 1,500 miles from farm to table. All this traveling burns fossil fuels and results in polluting carbon emissions. Buying from local farmers means getting the freshest food possible and also saving energy.To find farmers nationwide, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Grow a Garden: The most economical approach is raising home-grown veggies. Home-grown produce tastes better than any supermarket variety, and it will save cash at the checkout.
Green is good. Landscaping yields multiple benefits to enhance a home-owner's quality of life… and their little patch on the planet.
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