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Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving
September 2005 Windbreaks - Breakup the Cold Winds of Winter
Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving Evergreens of Highland Hill
Farm This Saturday and Sunday will be a Crazy Weekend Greetings!
In the past week there has been an increasing interest in
landscape design for energy conservation. Rising fuel costs can
be offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control wind
and sun. In Pa. the first line of defence for energy savings is
protection from the cold winter winds by the use of landscaping.
Research shows that properly designed screens and buffers can
reduce the heating cost of a typical residence by as much as 30
percent.
Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving
Liars figure and figures lie or so it goes. But there is no
doubt that there is a factor known as the wind chill factor.
This article will help you understand what winds can do to
heating costs and how your landscape can block the wind saving
you heating dollars.
There have been studies that show that wind speeds around homes
can be reduced by as much as 90%. The best design for windbreaks
depends on the use and exact location of the site. However, in
most of Pa. the prevailing winds are from the northeast, thus,
the maximum protection should be concentrated in the north east.
A single row of conifers with staggered spacings is the best for
protection from both wind and blowing snow. The wind is
deflected up and over the screen, creating a well protected
zone. The area of maximum protection can extend outward several
times the height of the trees. If space is at a premium, fewer
plants will be helpful, but the use of conifers and other
densely branched species is essential for maximum winter
protection. Arborvitae make an excellent choice for providing
winter protection. Arborvitae are commonly used evergreens
useful in urban areas where low maintenance and durability is
needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being globed in shape,
columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings, doors,
and walkways. Other forms which are larger are used for screens
and buffers that are planted in rows. The form of arborvitae is
small, medium, or large depending on the cultivar. Some reach
50', others only 3'. Even small Arborvitae, as in the picture,
can help breakup the wind and drifting snows of winter. Most
prefer full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade
conditions should be avoided. A moist, well drained, loamy soil
in full sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy
arborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky, clay,
urban
conditions of heat drought and pollution. The most important
pest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to prevent
complete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which
also prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out
multiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady. The ease
in planting and maintaining this plant make it an ideal choice
for planting around the house. Plant shrubs with wind direction
in mind. Since south winds are generally warmer than northeast
winds, it is considered sufficient to have moderate protection
on the east and desirable to leave the south open or restricted
to rows of shrubs and deciduous trees. More openness to the
south allows solar gain in the winter and for summer ventilation
house. The economic incentive of reduced heating costs is
additional to known benefits of reduced snow clearing. While
most homes have at least some naturally treed areas or planted
screens protecting their yard, the full potential benefit from
tree planting is far from being realized. Energy conservation is
a growing concern. Current studies confirm what fuel oil dealers
have known all along, homes with screens and buffers use
considerably less fuel. The time to begin planning for an energy
conscious future is now.
There many trees and plants that can be used in windbreaks and
screens. The White Pine is another special plant. It is fast
growing and durable. Two foot trees can grow into a large fuel
saving shelter belt quickly. We sometimes see 3' of growth per
year when then conditions are correct. Its soft graceful blue
needles can complement your backyard and give quick privacy.
Besides it is one of least expensive plants and is not invasive.
See more of our operations at http://www.seedlingsrus.com
This Saturday and Sunday will be a Crazy Weekend
This year I promise that I will be in top form. I shall have
lots and lots of free plants for everyone. The further you
travel to get here the more you will receive. It is not possible
that we will sell all the inventory in our fields that are to be
turned into the Plumstead Township Ball Fields. I will not let
the plants go to waste. We will find homes for them.We love our
plants and they too need homes. We will start 8 a.m. sharp and
stop when dogs don't hunt no more. Bill Hirst Ps Ask to see my
Africa Trip Album
For more info go to http://www.zone5trees.com or
http://www.highlandhillfarm.com
About the author:
Landscaping can save on fuel heating costs and this article
explains how.
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