You might have more than a few tricks up your sleeves when it comes to keeping heating costs to a minimum throughout the long Delaware winter. But is your landscaping one of them?
Strategic landscape planting designs can help lower home energy costs for heating and cooling by as much as 20%. While you probably already know that the best way to beat the heat in the summer is to stick to the shade, here are three ways that landscape services can help keep your home warmer in the winter, too.
- Let light in
Deciduous trees — the ones that shed their leaves in the fall — serve double duty when planted near eastern- and western-facing walls of your home. The shady protection from the sun they provide with their leaves in the summer turns into extra warm sunlight during the winter, after the leaves have fallen. Choose trees that offer coverage to windows and roofing to get the full benefits. - Stop the wind
At the same time, evergreen trees planted tightly together can serve as a wind barrier during those cold and blustery months. Additionally, the dead air space between the trees and your home acts almost like an extra layer of insulation. - Targeted warmth
Keep patios, porches, or deck spaces clear of snow and a little bit warmer with the right kind of landscape services. Trellises with climbing vines can offer blockage from the wet and the wind, while a deciduous vine like grape will also shed most of its leaves in the winter to let through more warm light.
Smart landscaping is a great way to save money on energy bills while beautifying your home and yard space at the same time. But before you start planting, be sure to consult with a professional landscape design company to help you assess the specific needs of your location. You’ll need to take into account not only the seasonal patterns of the sun, but also any existing power lines and structural foundations of your home. The right landscape services can make all the difference between an average home landscape and a truly exceptional — and functional — one.
