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It makes perfect since that your gardening and outdoor planting can have a real effect on your heating and cooling bills, you just need to know what you're doing. This is an extremely inexpensive way to cut your bills in the coming years. In South Carolina this is a big deal when you consider the expense that running the air conditioner can entail each summer. I'm extremely strict with my air conditioner to the point of sweating throughout the night, but when you live in an area of the country that can reach 110 degrees many times throughout the summer, you have to find ways to cope.
Josh wrote about how trees are great for blocking the sunlight. And they are, if you're building a home, take advantage of shade from existing trees. If you're planting, pick large deciduous trees 15 to 25 feet away from the south and west facing sides of an existing building.
During the winter these trees are leafless and can therefore let in your cheapest source of heat, the sun. During the summer up to 96 percent of the sun's rays can be blocked by deciduous trees. That's huge and can save you tons of dough on cooling the house. Trees that block the roof can save up to 10 percent on the cost of cooling your home. Be aware that if you already have solar panels on your roof you don't want to block them with trees.
Some good tree choices for shade:
Freeman maple
Norway maple
Columnare
Deborah
Emerald Queen
Fairview
Royal Red
Ask these questions before choosing trees:
1. How large will it grow? If it's going to grow to over 70 feet tall you likely don't want it too close to your home and certainly not any power lines. If you have space constraints be sure to take them into account.
2. What is the soil drainage in your area? According to Treesaregood.com, poor drainage can remove the oxygen available to the roots from the soil and kill the tree. Before planting, dig some test holes 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep in the areas you are considering planting trees. Fill the holes with water and time how long it takes for the water to drain away. If it takes more than 6 hours, you may have a drainage problem.
3. How much water and sunlight does it need and will it survive in your area?
4. What pest problems is the area prone to? If your tree choice is extremely sensitive to a certain pest that is rampant in your area, maybe you should choose another.
