National Energy Month, trees are nature's eco-savings!

While as a Nation, we celebrate October as national energy awareness month, did you know that year-around trees provide energy savings?

Research conduct by land-grant university Virginia Tech indicates proper placement of shrubs and trees around your home or office building can reduce utility bills and conserve energy while creating a healthy environment. In fact, this research reveals

• Proper selection and placement of plant material can lower heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 percent.
• During summer months, one large tree can absorb as much heat as several window air conditioners and can lower temperatures by 10 degrees.
• In climates with cold winters, the goal is to block the winter wind with trees and shrubs while capturing the winter sun (solar heat). In warmer climates, the goal is to block the summer sun while channeling in the summer breezes. In temperate climates, both strategies are employed.
• A dense row of evergreens to the north and northwest works effectively for extreme and temperate climates. Deciduous trees and shrubs should be planted to the east and west.
• A semi-circular row of deciduous trees and shrubs planted from southeast to southwest, with a break to the south, funnels in summer breezes.
• There are three ways in which trees and shrubs cool the air: by providing shade from solar radiation, by cutting wind speed and by reducing air temperature through evaporation and transpiration. Trees also absorb heat, thus reducing the need for air conditioning and allowing for less carbon dioxide to be emitted from electric generating facilities.
• Plants absorb pollutants and block noise levels. For instance, a cypress hedge planted 2 ft. thick along the front of a property will reduce street noise by 5 decibels.
• Growth rates and hardiness of plant materials in your geographic region should be factored in. Healthy plants that are able to adapt to your region work the hardest for you.
Virginia Tech’s research further identified that one tree alone annually removes 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions. Another study revealed a space that consists of 1 acre of trees has the ability to annually remove 13 tons of particles and gases.

Although there are definitely advantages to creating energy efficient design structures, most landscape gardeners tend to focus on aesthetic, not eco contribution of plants. To learn more about strategies related to creating eco-efficient landscapes, link to my newly published book - From Eco-weak to Eco-chic, landscape green, http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan.... Help turn America's landscape from eco-weak to eco-chic - be aware that trees are nature's eco-savings!