While we often think of landscaping as a way to add curb appeal, planting smart can also help you save energy. To achieve maximum savings, it’s key to plant the proper tree or shrub in the proper place. You need to consider what’s located above and below your desired planting location, as well as the mature height and spread of a plant. Use these general planting tips for energy efficiency:
- Plant large, leafy trees on the east, west and south sides of your home to provide maximum summertime shade and lower the surrounding air temperature. They should be planted at least 20 feet from the side of your home. A six-foot-tall tree planted near your house will shade windows in the first year. That same tree will shade the roof in five to ten years.
- Trees with lower leaves and branches work well on the west side of your home to offer shade from lower sun angles in the afternoon.
- Position trees and shrubs to shade air-conditioning units. Equipment that operates in the shade will use less electricity; however, be sure not to block the airflow.
- Plant bushes next to your house to create air space that will provide insulation year-round.
- Prevailing winter winds come from the west and north; use dense windbreaks to protect from cold winter winds.
Plant With Safety in Mind
Be sure to contact Diggers Hotline at diggershotline.com or call 811 at least three working days before doing any digging in your yard. MGE and other participating utilities will mark the location of underground facilities on your property and indicate safe overhead line clearances. This free service will help you stay safe and avoid costly fines.
Add External Shading
External shading devices are another option to help prevent unwanted sunlight from entering your home. Shading devices include awnings, overhangs and trellises.
For south-facing windows, a shading device should be based on window size. For example, with a window that is 36 inches tall, the shading device should be placed 10.8 inches from the top of the window. It should be 25.2 inches deep extending out from the house. There are online calculators to help determine where to install a shading device based on window size.
For west-facing windows, the shading device needs a vertical component to block summer sun.
Adding hanging vines to the shading device will help further block the sun. Consider creating a grid-like structure with plastic or rope, then add climbing vines. Vines that have leaves in spring and summer that fall off in fall or winter will help keep sun out during the summer and allow in warmth during the winter.
Get Free Advice From MGE Energy Experts
MGE is available to answer your questions and provide tips on landscaping for energy efficiency. Our energy experts are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 608-252-7000, or you can send them an email at askexperts@mge.com.
