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Posted: (June 16, 2008 01:50 pm)
The cost to keep your home cool during the hot summer months can be high, especially in the southeast. Here's an idea that will help you save money, energy and add a little zest to your landscaping.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory landscaping can be an effective investment in dramatically reducing how much AC you need to keep your house comfy during summer months.
If you’ve been hiking in the mountains or in nearby forests, you’ll know what I am talking about. It is always cooler in the shade. Not only do trees provide shelter from the sun but they also release water vapor, which provides a little natural AC. The National Renewable Energy Lab finds temperatures under tress can drop as much as 25 degrees.
So Planting a shade tree close to your house can have a major impact on your electric bill this summer. In fact the lab found air conditioning savings of 15% up to 50%. If you plant a deciduous tree, you’ll have shade in the summer, but lots of sunlight to warm your house in the winter when the tree sheds its leaves.
It's best to plant the tree on the northwest side of the home. Don't plant the tree too close to the house, it needs to be at least 15 feet away. The first year you’ll need to make sure tree receives at least an inch of water of week, preferably all in one long slow watering.
So do your part, plant a tree and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
For more ideas on the types of trees to plant, follow this link http://www.pioneerthinking.com/shading.html
or a consult a local nursery. Those local experts can also recommend native trees to plant that will accomplish your energy efficiency goals and require little maintenance.
Click here to learn more easy ways to Do Your Part to create and maintain a sustainable lifestyle.
