These days, there are lots of options designed to help homeowners save energy. Windows are more efficient. Appliances and light bulbs use less electricity. And there are even smart gadgets like the Nest Learning Thermostat™ that can cut a huge chunk out of your power usage.
With so many product choices, it can be easy to forget about Mother Nature. But she shouldn’t be left out of the equation. Planting the right trees and shrubs around your home can make a noticeable difference in energy efficiency.
Deciduous trees and shrubs—the ones that lose leaves seasonally— make the most impact throughout the year. In the summer, thick foliage can keep our homes, including air conditioner units, shaded and cool. In winter, bare branches let sunlight in to keep our homes warm.
In Texas, large trees and shrubs are most effective when planted on the west and south sides of a building. But take care not to get too close to your home when planting. Trees that grow large (50 feet or more), should be at least 20 feet away. Trees that are too close can damage the foundation and roof.
You don’t want to plant too far away, either. Experts recommend that trees on the west side be planted within 40 feet. And trees on the south side should be within 60 feet.
Evergreen trees and shrubs are energy-saving friends, as well. Their year-round foliage works well at blocking cold winter winds. Plant them strategically, upwind from your home in linear groupings.
And let’s not forget about vines. These climbers, allowed to grow on trellises near a wall or on arbors or pergolas, are great at absorbing the heat from the summer sun. They also work well to keep the cold at bay during the winter.
And on top of all that, plants can add beauty to your property. They make the air outside cleaner, and they provide needed habitat for birds and other wildlife.
