When you’re planning out an energy efficient landscape project, keep in mind that many of the same traits that make a home energy efficient–such as, maximizing the position of the sun at certain times of the day–can be used in creating equally efficient landscapes.
Planning a landscape around trees, fences, and other shade-producing elements can maximize the efficiency of a property so that very few other modifications are needed. When you’re planning out your client’s next energy-efficient landscape, consider guiding your design by the following advice.
1. Position for the climate
In the Northeast, for example, the winter can prevent a challenge in maintaining a healthy, attractive landscape. Plant deciduous trees on the sides of the home that receive southern and western exposure. In the summer, this will shade the home and keep it cooler, but in the winter, it will serve as a windbreak. Your clients will save money in heating and air conditioning by this strategic placement.
You should also consider the location and position of the home before planning out its landscaping designs, as this can have a huge impact on which plants should be grown, and where. Talk with your customers beforehand about their heating and cooling concerns and preferences, along with the types of plans they’d like to see on their property. In most cases, they’ll be willing to sacrifice a few different types of plants in order to save major money on heating and cooling costs.
2. Construct windbreaks
There is nothing that rivals the wind-buffering and shade-producing power of trees. Windbreaks provided by trees can help cut winter heating costs by up to thirty percent, and a single shade tree provides more cooling power than multiple air conditioners. Tree-shaded yards are much cooler than sunny yards, allowing your clients to save on cooling costs for the home and watering expenses for the lawn.
When planting windbreaks, keep in mind that three rows of trees works best. Plant a variety of species, with low-growing flowers trees and shrubs closest to the house, followed by deciduous trees, and then evergreens farthest out. This will help to allow a breeze through when cooling is needed, but prevent a wind tunnel effect from freezing the house solid.
3. Use fences to direct the breeze
Pay attention to the breeze and which way it tends to blow. In warmer areas, erect fences or plant shrubs to help point that breeze towards the home. Fences can also be used to slow bitter winter winds in colder climates. The best fences to use are those that are somewhat open or contain semi-porous sections. Solid fences divert air overhead and don’t allow for more moderate airflow. Consult your clients for their design preferences, but try to stick with low-riding, segmented fences to allow for optimum wind control.
4. Plant drought-tolerant plants
In arid climates, plant species such as succulents and other plants that aren’t as water-dependent. This will allow the homeowners to conserve water and energy by incorporating plants that are well-adapted to a drier weather pattern. This is also a bonus for clients looking for a more low-maintenance approach to gardening. They won’t have to water as often, saving them both time and money.
5. Incorporate open lawn areas on the south side of the home
In cold climates, having an open section of lawn near the south side of the house presents a huge benefit. This will provide an area for snow to accumulate. As light reflects off the snow in the afternoon, it will throw heat back onto the house–saving the homeowner hundreds of dollars in heating expenses.
6. Build a stone or concrete patio
These surfaces help absorb heat during the day and reflect it back on the house during a cool evening. Again, if this is done on the southern side of the home, it can really cut down the amount of heat required by a home.
7. Construct a pergola or awning
In warmer areas, an east-facing porch, patio, or deck will stay cooler in the afternoon. This provides maximum shade at the hottest time of day. The addition of an open cover, such as a pergola, helps to move cool breezes around the house without trapping heat, like an enclosed porch might be prone to do. If the homeowner is hesitant about investing in the extra expense, make sure they understand the cooling benefit this structure will have on the property.
8. Plant low-maintenance ground cover species
Plant easy-to-grow ground covers that are composed of either natural plants or dark-colored materials. While a natural lawn or plants work best to absorb heat, these can be costly and environmentally damaging to grow in hot, dry climates. If that’s the case, lay down dark stone or wood chips to help absorb the heat and prevent it from being reflected back up onto the house.
9. Incorporate natural water features
Water features can cool small areas. Construct a small pond or fountain–ideally one that is naturally self-sustaining and refilling–to help cool the air of the entire landscape.
10. Plant vines
Sunlight infiltration can be controlled by planting several annual vines over windows that need additional shade. Plant these on a trellis or even just wind them to surround a window. By planting a deciduous vine, the leaves will create hade during the summer but then die back, allowing light in for the colder winter months.
A well-designed landscape has the ability to save a homeowner thousands of dollars, and will often pay for itself in just a few years. This investment helps to reduce heating and cooling costs while also improving the overall natural appearance of the landscape. Consider implementing all or some of the above trends when designing your next energy efficient landscape.