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ENERGY EFFICIENCY Do’s and Don’ts: Planting Tees
Landscaping for energy efficiency
Awell-designed landscape can provide cooling shade around your home that reduces the need for air conditioning. Or provide a winter wind barrier to help protect against Old Man Winter.
Whether you picked the perfect tree for screening, shade or its beautiful fall colors, it’s time to choose a spot and plant. To get the most out of your tree and keep it healthy, you must plant it in the right spot. But there are a few things to consider before digging a hole and piling on mulch.
DO:
Plan For Energy Conservation
Pick trees that can help you save energy and money. Leafy trees with large crowns can shade windows on the south and west sides of your house in the summer, and when the leaves fall, let in warming sunlight during the winter. Plant evergreens on the northwest and north sides of your house to block the winter wind.
Consider Tree Height
Trees need enough space to grow. It may look small now, but that young tree may end up being larger than you’d expect. Consider how tall the tree will be when it reaches maturity as you choose the right spot in your yard.
DON’T: PLANT TREES TOO CLOSE TOGETHER
Give young trees ample space so they don’t crowd each other as they grow. Evergreens planted too close together can succumb to disease, and parts of the trees can even die if they don’t receive enough sunlight.
Plant Under Power Lines
A tall tree that’s grown into a primary power line presents a huge safety hazard, and the energy company will have to trim your tree to avoid potential fires and other electrical dangers. Low-growing trees can be planted 15 feet away from the power lines, and trees over 35 feet tall should be at least 50 feet away.
Dig Too Deep
Planting too shallow can slow a tree’s growth and weaken it, but planting too deep can kill it. Leave a few inches of the root ball above the ground when you plant, and make sure the tree’s taper is visible above the soil.
It’s important to treat the soil and your growing tree properly after planting. Once the roots are fully covered, water the tree with low-pressure water and let the water settle into the soil. All that’s left is to enjoy your beautifully landscaped yard.
