Trees need no introduction we’ve all played in them, swung from them, occasionally carved initials in them, and most definitely enjoyed their shade. We all know how adding trees to your garden can be beautiful and attract local wildlife whilst providing that ever important privacy from your neighbours. Did you know though that trees play a key role in reducing home energy costs? This is due to when trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and other polluting particles in the air, through photosynthesis they store the carbon and emit clean oxygen. As well as, producing the oxygen that we breath, whilst keeping the air clean, they can also provide us with shade – through shade tree landscaping we reduce our energy bill allowing savings on heating and air conditioning.
I recently discovered a non-profit organisation called The Arbor Day Foundation who plant trees and educate people around the world about the different ways in which trees can help improve climate change and the environment. They provide a variety of information about how tree’s providing shade can help play a role in the environment and make positive changes. Today I am going to share some of the various ways in which shade tree landscaping can help the planet as well as home energy conservation.
Consider using tree for shade over your patio, driveway, and pavement. By doing this you can cool the concrete down and even cool the temperature of the garden down. Planting big trees for shade on the northwest, east and west side of your house can create shade for your home on a hot summer day. Which trust me you’ll be grateful for when those heat waves start arriving. If you have air conditioning you could reduce your costs by 35%.
As the sun is lower on the southern horizon in winter. I would recommend avoiding planting evergreen trees on the south side of your home, so that they don’t block that lovely winter sun on that crisp winter morning. Consider planting a row of conifer trees on the north or northwest side of your home to create a wall against those cool winter winds. This could reduce your heating bill by 30 %.
So, there are some amazing biophilic benefits tree can provide us with through shading. Trees in your garden are more than just your one part of mother nature, they’re also key to reducing your energy costs.
Join me on Wednesday 12th May for our Biophilic Design Workshop. OnThe Secrets Of Using Biophilic Design To Increase The Value Proposition For Your Sustainable Properties and Improve The Overall Wellness Of Tenants & Owners Without Overspending Or Going Over Schedule.
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