Green Guide: Plant Trees to Reduce Energy Usage and Save Money

This guide will help you to find the right trees to plant in your yard to shade your house in the summer and block wind in the winter. Properly placed trees can reduce air conditioning costs up to 30 percent and heating costs up to 50 percent, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Choose the Right Tree for Your Home

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, you need to consider the following factors when choosing a tree:

Mature Height - Average height of a tree species when mature
Mature Spread - Average potential width a tree species might attain when mature
Sun - The optimal sun/shade requirements for a tree species
Soil - The best soil for a tree species
Hardiness Zone - Zones mapped according to temperature extremes, which can affect a tree's ability to grow
Growth Rate - How fast or slow a tree species grows
Type of Tree - A tree is deciduous, coniferous, ornamental, fruit, etc.
Shape - The general shape of the tree
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Be sure to check whether or not any tree you like will grow where you live. Click on this link to determine in which growing zone you live. To learn more about trees, check out the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Guide.

Tree Placement

Once you have found the right tree(s), decide where you want to plant it. When thinking about saving energy in the summer, study the path of the sun during the day in relation to your house. You will want to plant trees that will shade windows and doors, where solar radiation is likely to enter your home. For windbreaks, plant trees between your house and the source direction of winter winds. Be sure to study all sides of your home.

Purchasing Trees

There are many online websites, including the Arbor Day Foundation, that sell trees. I recommend visiting a local nursery and getting advice from local tree experts. Trees are these people's jobs, and they will know what will and what will not grow in your particular location. Utilizing this local wisdom will save you time and money in the long run!

Watering Your Trees

Now that your trees are planted, be sure to give them plenty of water when they are young. You want to give them the best possible start, and get them growing as much as possible.

You might consider incorporating a rainwater harvesting system into your landscaping to maximize the benefits of rain storms. Click here to read more about designing your own system.