Can You Save Money and Save the Planet?

(ARA) - If higher energy bills have drained your pocketbook, there may be a way to befriend your utility budget and be friendly to the earth at the same time. Properly placed, climate-appropriate landscaping can help the environment and lower your energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the correct placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in heating and cooling costs annually.

Consider Climate

The landscaping you choose and the time of year you plant should depend on the climate where you live. A home in a hot, arid climate will have different energy concerns than a home in a cool climate. Consider these strategies based on the four climate regions of the United States:

Cool -- In a windy, cool climate, landscaping can reduce winter heating bills by one-third.* Protect your home from winter winds by planting dense windbreaks of evergreen trees and shrubs. Avoid planting windbreaks in front of south-facing windows that absorb the warmth of the winter sun.

Temperate -- Use trees, fences and walls to funnel summer breezes toward the home and deflect winter winds.

Hot, arid -- Homes in hot, dry climates need shade to cool roofs, walls and windows. If your home is air-conditioned, use trees to block hot winds.

Hot, humid -- Homes in hot, humid climates also benefit from shade. Place trees so they won't block cool summer breezes. To prevent mold, mildew and stagnant water, avoid planting dense vegetation too close to your home.

Choose the Right Plants

Consider climate, as well as your landscaping objectives when choosing plants. Some plants grow better in certain climates and won't thrive in others. If you live in a hot, arid climate and plant shrubs or trees to channel wind, it defeats the purpose of energy efficiency to plant trees that need lots of water. You may save on air conditioning, but you'll pay more for water. Many cities also have watering restrictions, so choose trees, shrubs and grasses that are water-thrifty.

If you're planting a windbreak, choose dense trees and shrubs such as evergreens. If you're trying to shade your home, choose deciduous trees with high, spreading leaves and branches.

Practice Responsible Watering

Even moisture-thrifty landscaping will need watering. A properly programmed underground sprinkler system may help you conserve water and lower your utility bills. You can set your system to turn on during the early morning hours when the least amount of water will evaporate. To avoid wasting water, don't set your sprinkler to water on a regular schedule, such as every other day. Instead, water your landscaping according to its needs and the weather. You may have to water certain zones one day and skip other zones. Make sure your system has a sensor device that will shut off watering during rain or heavy cloud cover.

The costs of underground sprinkler systems vary around the country, but a professionally installed system can cost $1,500 to $3,000. The price will depend on how complicated your landscaping is and the size of your lot . If you install the system yourself, it can cost less than $1,000.

Focus on the Environment

It's great to save money on utility bills, but it's even better to save the environment. Tree planting and appropriate landscaping can control erosion, clean the air, reduce the need for pesticides and protect water supplies.

For more information about landscaping for energy efficiency, ask the landscaping professionals at your local nursery or visit the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network Web site at www.eren.doe.gov.

* Source: U.S. Department of Energy, www.eren.doe.gov.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com