Beauty Meets Function: Conserving Energy and Landscaping
Trying to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer have been primary
concerns and costs for average families. After Hurricane Katrina, the world
found itself having to deal with higher energy costs in order to meet the
aforementioned concerns. After Katrina natural gas and oil prices went on an
upward spiral. What has not been popularly explored was that landscaping is
capable of conserving energy in the home.
How much energy can you really save?
By effectively arranging your landscape to meet specific energy needs, you can
save up to at least 30% in the cost of your cooling and heating. Trees, which
are a staple in properly landscaped property, can effectively reduce 60% of
sunlight even without foliage.
How does it work?
The primary consideration in landscaping in to conserve energy is to conduct
heat effectively through the property, properly direct wind movement to manage
the effects of direct wind blowing through the house, and maintain whatever heat
or cool is in the house.
These are the three goals, and these are achieved by positioning various
foliage— whether it be deciduous trees, conifer trees, evergreen plants, shrubs
or bushes.
Keeping the Heat In
Shrubs and bushes that are planted close to the wall of the house create what is
called a dead air barrier, and actually buffers the foundation of the house,
making sure that warm air or cold – whichever is inside the house - that would
usually escape through roofs or windows stays inside.
Redirecting the Sunlight
The summer sun is one of the main culprits of increasing heat inside the home.
When the sun’s rays hit the home directly, 90% of this heat goes into heating
the walls and foundations of the home. The best location for these trees in the
yard or garden is either west or south of the house, where they can best block
the sun from its peak time until the time it sets.
By putting trees very proximate to the property, you are effectively reducing
temperatures inside the home. Huge shade trees in particular can reduce
temperatures up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the winter, deciduous trees that shed foliage allow for sunlight to pass
through the branches, providing some warmth to the home.
Landscaping is an activity that should be maximized for all its functionality.
After all, if beautifying a home garden or yard works to cut the utility bills
it is worth consideration.