Cooler weather is finally upon us, which means now is time to plant shade trees to protect your home from the summer sun and keep your energy bills from burning a hole in your wallet.
However, there are a few things to consider such as the types of trees that will be the most beneficial and where exactly they need to be planted.
How to cast shadows in all the right places.
Creating a natural sunscreen requires a strategic approach, and when it is done correctly, you will successfully conserve energy and lower your power bills by as much as 35%.
Deciduous trees give you the best of both worlds with branches that reach far and wide. Planting trees that lose their leaves in the fall helps keep your energy costs low year-round. Their leafy branches do an amazing job of shielding your home from the sun during the summer, and when they shed their leaves in the fall, your home can bask in the warmth of the sun’s rays throughout the colder months.
All day protection. Location is the name of the game when choosing the perfect spot for shade trees. By planting them on the south and southwest facing sides of your home, the sunlight will not be able to penetrate their canopies throughout the duration of the day, so your air conditioner does not have to work overtime.
Throw some shade on your AC unit. Plant a shade tree a few feet from your air conditioning unit. Doing this will keep it and the surrounding air naturally cool, which will help the unit run more efficiently because the air it is taking in is cooler, so converting it to frigid air is faster and easier.
Keep a safe distance. Planting large shade trees too close to your home is counterproductive because their roots could damage the foundation. A good rule of thumb is to take the tree’s full-grown size, then divide it by two. For example, if the tree can grow to forty feet in diameter, plant it twenty feet from the house.
Slow and steady. While the temptation to plant fast growing shade trees is hard to resist, stay strong and plant the ones that take longer to mature. This is because fast growing trees tend to have shorter lifespans and weaker wood fiber.
Safety first! Avoid planting your shade trees near power lines. As they grow, there is a good possibility that their branches may interfere with the lines and cause electrical dangers. Utility companies will be forced to trim the trees in a way that makes them look unsightly.
Freshly planted trees are thirsty! Be sure the sprinklers of your irrigation system can reach your new shade trees. They need to be watered daily for at least a year. Doing this will help them become established, so they can grow strong and healthy.
Relax knowing nature is easing your power bills.
When you have deciduous trees planted strategically throughout your property to conserve energy, you will be rewarded every month when your power bill arrives. Making nature work in tandem with your goals is the smartest thing a homeowner can do because it will result in greater peace of mind and more money in their bank account.
Remember, those new trees need proper hydration. If you need help with your irrigation plan, sprinkler repair or irrigation in the Orlando area, give us a ring! We are always happy to answer your questions and do everything possible to keep your system running at peak performance.