Planning your Spring Plantings
As Spring approaches and we look outside, maybe it’s time to plant a few shrubs or trees? Planning is great, but where do we plant? And where do we plant trees that might add value to our yards?
In Arizona, we are always concerned with shade and how to achieve that for our homes. Shading east or west windows is a must if you have windows that face in those directions. But you should also be concerned with how far away from your homes and at which angle to plant. Fortunately, we have a tool to help!
Our local utilities, APS and SRP offer Shade Tree programs.
If you’re curious as to what to plant and where to plant it, check out this link by Utah State University. Shading the suns harsh rays on east, west and even south windows, provides energy savings as well as shade. The heat gain from the suns rays is pretty harsh, so saving those rays by planting trees is a great idea. Note that the tree pictured here in front of this south facing home is a native desert tree and doesn't provide that much shade. Choose a tree that will provide more shade to save more harmful rays from entering your home.
Another interesting finding is that trees also promote good health. So, plant for energy savings and benefit by added good health.
Whether you're planting a tree to shade your home or improve your quality of life, check with the professionals for sound advice.
And if you're looking for assistance with buying or selling your home, give me a call! To search other green professionals in the Phoenix area, visit www.gotgreen.info.
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