Maples shade a home

A well planned landscape is not only beautiful, it can also save you money on your heating and cooling bills! In fact, studies have found that energy efficient landscaping can reduce your summer utility bills by as much is 50% in some regions of the United States. These tips will help you save money on summer utility bills:

• Plant deciduous trees on the south, east, and west sides of your house. Deciduous trees shade your home in the summer while allowing cooling breezes to pass through, significantly reducing cooling costs. In winter, the bare branches allow the sun to pass through and warm the house, reducing your heating bills as well.
• Plant deciduous vines on southern walls. Like deciduous trees, deciduous vines planted on south facing walls will shade the wall in summer, cooling it, and allow the sun to pass through to warm it in winter.
• Shade your air conditioning unit with trees or shrubs. Studies have found that shaded AC units use up to 10% less energy than unshaded ones.
• Plant deciduous trees to shade or line sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces. This keeps these surfaces cooler, reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering air temperatures in the neighborhood.

Related posts:

1. Reduce Heating Costs With Energy Efficient Landscaping
2. Save Money on Grocery Bills With a Home Kitchen Garden
3. Xeriscaping Basics for Midwestern Gardeners
4. Plant an Edible Hedgerow