Landscaping as an energysaver
Raising property value with the help of plants might seem vaguely surprising to some. How can plants help? Aren’t they merely ornamental objects found around the garden?
What most people don’t know is that plants can modify the climate in and around the home. With the rising energy crisis, it is only normal that homeowners seek the solution in their own backyard, literally. By placing trees, shrubs, vines and landscape structures properly, homeowners can reduce the energy required to keep homes comfortable during winter and summer. This would mean they would rely less on artificial means to stay warm or cool and focus more on strategic landscaping. Along with the reduction of energy bills, a well-planned landscape adds beauty, interest and increase property value.
The use of landscaping as an energy saver has been done for many years but the practice was mainly based on instinct. Now, studies have been conducted to document this interesting and very environmentally friendly method of energy saving. According to one government study, winter heating bills may be reduced by as much as 15 percent, while summer cooling energy needs may be cut by as much as 50 percent.
The use of landscaping in energy saving depends on the different climates and weather changes across the United States. In the cooler, northwest areas the United States, where enormous amounts of energy are consumed in winter heating, control of air infiltration is the priority. Hotter southeastern areas place more emphasis on use of shade to control heat conduction and reduce the need for summer air-conditioning.
Three basic landscape applications which have been proven to save energy are:
• The use of trees as shades
The ability of trees to lower temperatures during summers is considerable. The temperature reduced in a house shaded by a large tree from the afternoon sun could reach up to 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Deciduous trees provide summer shade during hot weather, then drop their leaves in the fall when it’s cooler. This allows the warmth of the sun to filter through their bare branches in winter and helps warm the home. Strategic positioning of landscaping elements to take advantage of shade from existing trees energy expended to cool the house can be reduced.
• Windbreaks
The use of windbreaks to obstruct and redirect the flow of wind is another good energy saving device. As wind strikes an obstruction, it can move over, around or through it. The extent of protection on the leeward side is related to the height and length of the windbreak. Impenetrable windbreaks create a strong vacuum on the protected or leeward side, which reduces the protection. Windbreaks composed of living plants allow some of the wind to penetrate, which makes them more effective.
• The use of foundation plants
The homeowner needs to realize that good landscaping practices offer one of the most practical methods of reducing energy consumption in homes. The investment becomes an even greater bargain, when the homeowner considers the added benefits of the increased real estate value and more attractive homes and communities.
Other ways to save money and lower your bills will you learn here!
