A well-designed landscape not only can add attraction to every home but also can lessen its cooling and heating costs. Well-placed trees and shrubs can reduce cooling costs during summer. And in the winter, properly placed trees can reduce home heat loss by congesting cold winds. Apart from being a cost-effective way to reduce energy bills, it also puts value on a property. To determine the best energy-efficient landscaping strategies, there must be an understanding of the climate zone. Here are the ways on how to use landscaping for energy-efficient homes.
- Plant Shade Trees
The Depart of Energy commends "tall shade trees" as the best method to secure a home from solar heat and cold blasts in winter. It is better to plant "Deciduous trees" in the Northern region because they let their bare branches warm from the sun during the colder season. It's best to plant in layers when using trees and other plants as windbreaks. "Flowering shrubs" and "low-growing perennials" help taller trees work best closer to the house.
- Put Shrubs to Block Snow Drifts
How to block snow with shrubs? Simply plant shrubs on the windward side of the windbreak to help those trees do their job. Depending on how the property is laid out, a line of shrubs could help keep the driveway, courtyard, and porch free from snowdrifts.
- Use Greenery to Insulate Houses
Plant vines and bushes adjacent to the house to create a wall of dead air that insulates the interior from freezing temperatures. Also, plant a vertical garden on the trellis to absorb heat. With an extra layer of greenery around the house's exterior, it can be comfortable all day and not expect a huge drop or rise in temperature as the sun moves. Green walls also provide a shield against UV radiation and rain, intending to reduce wear and damage to walls.
- Create a Natural Windbreaker
How to plant windbreak? Plant a dense windbreak to cut the winter winds and to keep energy costs down. Native trees do the job, but "Evergreen trees" provide the best windbreaks. Adapted to the harsh winters, "Staghorn sumac" and "redbud trees" are gorgeous additions to any "Connecticut landscape."
Just a tip, don't plant windbreak on the south side of the house. The winter sun supplies passive solar heat that can help a home warm. Just make sure that the shades and blinds are open during the day.
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