PLANTING FOR ENERGY SAVINGS

The newness of spring is an exciting time of year! However, sunnier days can mean heat buildup around your home. Heat from the sun absorbs through windows and roofs which increases home cooling costs. Thoughtfully placed plants can shade your home, blocking excess heat. When planning your next planting project, consider what type of trees or plants might be best for you!

• DECIDUOUS TREES: To block sunlight in the summer but let it in during the winter, use deciduous trees with high spreading crowns (i.e. leaves and branches). These trees have lush leaves in the spring and summer that will fall when the seasons change.

• EVERGREEN TREES: To provide continuous shade or to block heavy winds, use dense evergreen trees or shrubs.

• SHRUBS & GROUNDCOVER PLANTS: These can shade the ground around your home, reducing heat radiation and cooling the air before it even reaches your home's walls and windows.

REMEMBER:

Always call 811 before starting any digging project!

Plant trees far enough away from your home so that when they mature, their roots will not damage your foundation. Avoid planting near underground transformers or overhead power lines as this can potentially create hazards for you and our linemen.

A slow-growing tree may require years of growth before it can shade your roof, but they will typically live longer than a fast-growing tree. Also, slow-growing trees often have deeper roots and stronger branches, so they are less prone to breakage by storms.

Source: www.Energy.gov