Landscaping side of house1/21/2024 ![]() Shrubs planted underneath windows channel wind upward and into first-story windows when working in tandem with a nearby shade tree. Since air moves fastest in the area beneath the lowest branch and the ground, prune lower branches to circulate air toward windows. The same tree that provides shade during a hot summer day will usher in cool breezes at night. When shading air conditioners, be sure to keep air intakes and filters open and free of obstructions. Planting shrubs alongside the air conditioning unit automatically increases its efficiency by 10 percent. Create a buffer by erecting trellises along the south, east, and west sides of the air conditioner or situate it under a shade canopy. Create a natural awning by attaching a horizontal trellis to two vertical trellises to facilitate growth of ivy or flowering vines both upward and overhead.ĭon’t leave your air conditioner baking in the hot summer sun-it will only have to work harder to cool your home. Add ivy to the south or west wall of a brick or stone house, or train it to grow on vertical trellises alongside the building’s exterior. ![]() Don’t overlook lower-lying shrubs that can cool the ground around your home. These will help deflect late afternoon sun away from the walls. Plant shorter trees or tall shrubs along the west side of the house. Tall, mature trees with broad canopies are generally best for the south side, as they will shade the roof. Planting too close to the house might not give roots the space they need and could damage the home’s foundation. Gauge planting by the size of the tree at full maturity and the size of its root system. Look for trees that produce a dense canopy with multi-directional branches and light-colored, smooth leaves. A fast-growing tree offers shade in fewer years but will probably be less hardy than its slow-growing counterpart. A qualified landscape architect can help you site and plant species for optimal energy efficiency.Ī tree’s growth rate, and the shape and density of its canopy determine its shade value and potential energy savings. Choose trees and plants that allow a cooling nighttime breeze to enter open windows. ![]() When checking the parts of your house that receive hot afternoon sun, record the angle of direct sunlight and which faces receive reflected sunlight. The best landscaping works to cool your home in the summer and retain heat in the winter. Observe how wind, sun, and shade work with your home at varying times of day and during different seasons. Shading your property with trees and shrubs slows the heat exchange because it cools outside surfaces. Walls, windows, and glass doors bring in hot outdoor temperatures through conduction (exchanging hot air for cool) or infiltration. These are just some of the ways that thoughtful landscaping can work to keep you cooler and save you energy dollars.Įnergy efficient landscaping requires an understanding of how heat is exchanged within your home. Shading your air conditioner can reduce energy costs by as much as 50 percent. Shrubs and vines can be planted to keep walls cool. Trees shade roofs from the hot summer sun.
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