Plant deciduous trees on the east, west, and south sides of your house. Because deciduous trees lose their leaves in the autumn, they allow the sunlight through in the winter to warm your house thus saving on heating. In the spring and summer when their leaves are out they block sunlight to cool your home. You can save from 10% to 50% in air-conditioning power consumption in this way. In addition, if you plant a tree where it will shade your exterior air-conditioning unit, it will run more efficiently and use less electricity.
Plant evergreen tress in two or more staggered rows on the northwest side of your home to act as a windbreak (or the side with prevailing winter winds where you live; if you’re not sure call your local meteorologist at any airport or weather station). The windbreak will help reduce home heating fuel consumption and save on fuel bills.
Before you plant trees around your property it’s a good idea to consult a professional gardener, a tree service, or your local forestry department to find out the optimal positioning and conditions for your tree planting.
For more information on energy preservation, please visit Kyoto Action
