Greenlinks Blog
Landscaping for Energy Efficiency
-If you have been thinking about how to cut your home energy costs, you might want to take a look at your home's landscaping. Did you know that energy efficient home landscaping can reduce your household energy consumption for heating and cooling by as much as 25%.
Properly placed trees, shrubs, grasses and hedges can help lower your energy costs in the summer by maximizing shade to reduce air conditioner use and in winter by allowing in the warm sunlight and reducing wind chill. Trees also supply oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and cleanse the air. Trees and shrubs enhance the beauty and value of your home, making your plantings a smart investment all around.
To make your landscaping the most energy efficient, choose leafy shade trees and shrubs for the south or southwest side of your home and around patios. High, wide-crowned deciduous trees provide the best shade.
Keep safety in mind and look before you dig. Do something good for the environment and plant a tree.