Energy-Efficient Landscaping: Cooling Cost Reduction With Trees and Shrubs

Posted on August 23rd, 2024

Strategically using trees and shrubs in your yard can naturally reduce cooling costs while enhancing the beauty of your home’s landscape. Imagine keeping your home or business cool without seeing your energy bills skyrocket. Energy-efficient landscaping can lower utility expenses and create a more comfortable and eco-friendly outdoor environment.

This guide will review how you can leverage trees and shrubs to reduce cooling costs. We answer questions like:

• How do trees conserve energy?
• What types of shrubs should I grow?
• What is the role of tree placement in energy conservation?
• What are the benefits of energy-efficient landscaping

Homeowners and commercial property managers will benefit from the services of professional lawn care specialists like Turf Unlimited. Contact our team today for a free quote at +1-888-649-9919.

What Is Energy-Efficient Landscaping?

This landscaping style is a method of designing your outdoor space to maximize natural resources for cooling and heating. Placing trees and shrubs around your property can significantly reduce the energy needed to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors.

This approach involves planning where to plant trees for shade, using shrubs to insulate your home, and selecting species that thrive in your local environment. Turf Unlimited provides lawn care solutions such as overseeding, sprinkler installation, and sprinkler system maintenance, creating an energy-efficient landscape for your home.

How Trees and Shrubs Help Conserve Energy

How do trees conserve energy? Studies show trees can cool the air when water evaporates from leaf surfaces. This process is similar to how our skin cools when we perspire. In addition, trees and shrubs provide shade and act as windbreakers.

Here’s a breakdown of how shrubs conserve energy and contribute to energy savings:

• Shading: Trees block direct sunlight from hitting your home, reducing the need for air conditioning. Researchers say planting three to four well-placed shade trees can reduce your cooling costs by 30% to 50%.
• Windbreaks: How do shrubs conserve energy? They act as a natural barrier, blocking strong winds that can drive cold air into your home during winter. This can reduce heating costs by minimizing heat loss. When planted around the foundation, shrubs provide an insulating layer that protects your home from temperature extremes.
• Evapotranspiration: Trees and plants release moisture into the air through evapotranspiration, which cools the surrounding environment, providing a natural form of air conditioning.

The Role of Tree Placement in Maximizing Efficiency

Energy efficient landscaping requires careful planning. You’ll want to focus on placing trees on the south and west sides of your home or commercial building for optimal cooling. These areas tend to receive the most sunlight, so shading them can impact indoor temperatures.

Here are some tree and shrub species that work well for energy conservation:

• Red Maple: A fast-growing tree that provides dense shade, perfect for reducing summer heat. It thrives in many climates and offers beautiful fall foliage.
• Live Oak: Known for its large canopy and ability to tolerate heat, Live Oaks are ideal for providing extensive shade over a wide area.
• Tulip Tree: This tree grows quickly and produces large leaves, effectively blocking sunlight.
• Eastern Redbud: If you’re looking for a smaller tree, it provides shade while adding bursts of color in the spring with its beautiful pink flowers.
• Boxwood: This dense, evergreen shrub works well as an insulator, providing year-round protection from the elements.
• Holly: Known for its hardy nature, Holly shrubs are great for blocking cold winter winds. Plus, their year-round foliage provides consistent energy-saving benefits.
• Yew: This versatile shrub grows in various climates and offers summer cooling and winter insulation. Its dense branches trap heat and reduce airflow near your home.
• Arborvitae: These tall, narrow shrubs are perfect for lining a property and blocking wind. Their thick foliage offers excellent insulation, particularly for colder climates.

When planting trees, ensure they are at least 15 to 20 feet from your home to allow for root growth and prevent potential damage to your foundation. Plant shrubs about three to five feet away from your home to allow for airflow while providing insulation.

How to Start an Energy-Efficient Landscape Project

Lawn care professionals can help you get started with energy-efficient landscaping using bespoke methods for your property.

1. Tree and Shrub Placement

Identifying areas that receive the most sunlight or are exposed to strong winds. These are prime spots for trees and shrubs.

2. Native Plant Selection

Selecting native species ensures that your plants will thrive with minimal maintenance. Native plants adapt more to your local climate and soil conditions, making them a smart choice for long-term sustainability.

3. Regular Tree and Shrub Care

Creating an energy-efficient landscape can be complex, requiring long-term care for your selected native plants. Working with a professional lawn care team ensures your plants are placed optimally and properly maintained.

If you’re unsure where to begin or which plants are best suited for your area, don’t hesitate to consult experts who specialize in lawn care and plant health services. With their help, you can design a landscape that reduces energy costs and elevates your property’s curb appeal.

Work With Lawn Care Specialists From Turf Unlimited

Using an energy-efficient landscape is a practical and beautiful way to reduce cooling costs while benefiting the environment. By strategically planting trees and shrubs, you can conserve energy, lower utility bills, and enjoy a more comfortable living or working space while saving money in the long term.

Turf Unlimited has helped thousands of homeowners reduce costs using energy-efficient landscaping. We have proudly served clients since 1996. Are you ready to transform your yard and start saving on energy? Call +1-888-649-9919 or contact us online today to get the best trees and shrubs for your home.