Trees Can Protect Your Home from the Arizona Sun

Planting trees near you Arizona home will help cool your home. It will also protect your property from harmful UV rays.
Although the weather in Arizona makes enjoying sunlight and warmth possible year-round, there is no question that the sun also has an injurious affect on the property of Arizona residents. In the same way that residents of the Midwest have to deal with rust on their cars caused by the salt in winter, residents of Arizona have to cope with faded rooftops and interiors of their cars because of the sunlight. The same principal applies to homes. If you are a homeowner in Arizona, you have to deal with the power of the sun on your home's rooftop and the interior contents as well. Windows provide interiors little to no protection, and it is very common for floor coverings and other furnishings to become very aged when exposed to the sun's rays.

There are a few things that you can do to prevent this from occurring. You can replace windows with newer ones that have UV ray blocking features. Additionally paint doors, window frames, the roof and patios with a UV-stabilizing paint to help minimize the damage. Your best option, however, is a very natural one. Your local garden store has an wonderful solution to this problem. Planting trees and shrubs can be used to greatly mitigate the devastating effects of the sun, or you can use this plan in conjunction with the previously detailed methods to give your home the best possible defense.

Large Trees Shade and Protect Your Home

The expense of a fully grown tree can be prohibitive. This gives you two options. You can accept the expense of a large tree, or you can purchase a sapling and count on other methods of lowering sun damage until your shade tree grows. Some of these methods include varnish, awnings or special types of glass that will protect your house while your tree grows. When you set out to plant a tree, plant it on the southern exposure of your home so that your home gets the utmost protection during the sunlight-intensive months of summer.

As your unique home and landscaping situation will differ, there is no exact plan to planting trees that will be used for shade that fits everyone. Some homes simply do not have space for large tress. You also need to deliberate whether or not the spot you are looking at gives the tree enough space to grow large roots. Also, even if you put a tree in an area that is not getting direct sunlight, the tree can still render the home cooler and block UV light. This is one reason to weigh other spots than those that are getting direct sunlight.

Factor in the Tree Types

When you settle on the species of trees that you would prefer to plant, keep in mind that Arizona has a very dry climate. The most indigenous plants are cacti, but unfortunately these do not offer shade. Since trees need water, it is better to pick types of trees that do not require a more humid climate. Make sure that you are also picking trees that are not susceptible to leaf burn, which can be common in trees that are not acclimated to the Arizona desert. Some excellent trees to contemplate in Arizona are: Chinese Pistache, Palo Brea, Evergreen Elm, Chilean Mesquite and the Fan Tex Ash.

Save Energy with Trees

Arizona is a place where it is often 90 degrees in the shade. Still, introducing trees and shrubs around your property can actually cut down on energy costs. A home in the shade means that it will need less air conditioning. Really, what is more relaxing than sitting under a shady tree on a warm fall day? That alone makes planting large-scale trees worth the time and money. Trees will not only increase your quality of life, but increase the value of your home, so it will be a good investment.

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   By Karen B
Published: 9/29/2008
 
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