Well, while it's impossible to control rising temperatures this time of year, you can modify the climate in and around your home by following certain landscape practices. For instance, did you know that placing trees, shrubs, vines and landscape structures in the proper location, can save significantly on energy costs? One government study found that well-placed landscaping can reduce summer cooling energy by as much as 50 percent and winter heating bills by 15 percent.
Starting with the biggest first, please keep in mind that trees can reduce temperatures inside your home by as much as 8 to 10 degrees. Plant trees on the south or western exposure areas of your house for maximum benefit. Deciduous trees are the best energy savers in that they not only provide summer shade, but winter warmth. After deciduous trees lose their leaves, their bare branches during the winter allow sun to filter through and help warm the house.
Large trees should not be planted any closer than 15 to 20 feet of your home. However, don't overlook smaller trees like crape myrtle and redbud. These can be planted closer to the house and used for shading walls and window areas.
Smaller plants and vines can also help reduce energy costs. Vines are quick growing and will shade a heat-facing wall in just one or two seasons. You can train vines onto a trellis or pergola. Choices range from wisteria and climbing roses to honeysuckle and jasmine. Some vines, such as ivy, don't require help and can grow directly onto masonry or wood surfaces.
You can also group shrubs to funnelcool, nighttime breezes to open windows. If the incoming air is from low vents or screened windows and the outgoing air leaves the structure at a higher point, this chimney effect moves a lot of air and does an excellent cooling job.
Landscape structures ranging from arbors and slatted wooded overhead structures can be especially effective either attached or built adjacent to the home. Besides providing cool, restful sitting and viewing areas, they provide the bonus of shading walls and windows. If you have air conditioning, you might also try building a landscape structure or planting something to provide shade for the outside portion of the unit. Be careful that any plantings do not obstruct the air flow
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