Landscaping Can Save You Money

August 23, 2006

Phoenix, AZ  -  

When Arizonans discuss energy conservation, the most likely topics are air conditioning and heating efficiency, insulation, shade screens, compact fluorescent lighting, or dual-pane windows. It is less likely the discussion will be of trees and shrubs.

However, thoughtful landscape design actually can lower the demands put on air-conditioning and heating systems.

Planting trees, shrubs, vines, hedges and ground cover can be a cost-effective, eye-pleasing way to lower your energy bills. Well-designed landscaping also will protect your home from the sun, while blocking out noise.

Benefits of Landscaping
One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce cooling costs is to shade windows from the sun. Landscaping can provide that shading, helping you reduce air conditioning costs and protect your home from harsh weather.

Windows account for as much as 50 percent of the load placed on an air conditioning system, so shading windows with plants and trees can effectively lower energy bills and keep your home more comfortable. By blocking the wind, you also reduce the amount of hot summer or cold winter air that leaks into your home.

Here are a few benefits to consider:

• Trees and bushes can block much of the sun's heat before it strikes your windows and walls.
• Shade trees can significantly reduce surrounding air temperatures and the temperature in your attic.
• Trees, shrubs and ground cover can reduce the heat reflected from the ground to your walls and windows.
• Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, making them ideal to block the sun in summer while allowing the sun to warm your home in the winter.
• Shrubs, bushes and vines provide year-round insulation by creating a dead air space next to your home.

Designing Landscaping Around Your Home
Simply adding trees and plants to the front of your home - while improving its "curb appeal" - is not necessarily going to lower your energy use.

To make the most of your investment in landscaping, you should do the following:

• Plant trees on the east, south and west sides of your home to shade walls and windows from the hot summer sun.
• Plant trees, shrubs and ground cover to shade the ground around your home and reduce heat reflected to your walls and windows.
• Plant shrubs, bushes and vines very close to the house to help insulate your home.
• Use short shade trees to block reflected heat while admitting the sun.

How Much Can Landscaping Reduce Your Energy Bill?
If your home isn't shaded, you could add well-planned landscaping and reduce your air conditioning costs by as much as 15 percent or more, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Computer models devised by the Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually.  On average, a well-designed landscape provides enough energy savings to return your initial investment in less than eight years.

For example, an eight-foot deciduous (leaf-shedding) tree costs about as much as an awning for one large window and can ultimately save your household hundreds of dollars in reduced cooling costs. Yet, as the tree sheds its leaves, it will allow some sunshine to reduce heating and lighting costs in the winter months.

Bushes and other shrubbery can cast a beneficial shadow, too. They are especially useful in shading an air conditioner, provided that they leave enough ventilation to ensure operating efficiency.

Trees and Power Lines
Don't plant tall-growing trees near power lines. Trees can damage the wires, eventually causing a power outage. Trees planted too close to power lines also can pose a safety hazard to children who like to climb trees.

Shrubs should not be planted near pad-mount transformers. Shrubs can make it dangerous and difficult for APS crews who need unrestricted access to the transformer to make needed repairs.

For more energy saving tips, visit www.energystar.gov or aps.com.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

Mark Fallon
(602) 250-3264