Feature Article - for release the week of July 20, 2008

Angela Sachson - Extension Florida Yards & Neighborhood Program

Landscape to Save Energy Costs!

 

According to UF  Extension Specialist Emeritus Dr. Bob Black, the arrangement of plants in the landscape can make a difference in maintaining comfort inside your home. Plants can channel winds next to your home, in a way which can reduce energy needs both in summer and winter. 

Here in South Florida during the "dog days" of July and August, winds usually come from a southeasterly direction. Many Floridians find it impossible to stay cool without air-conditioning, regardless of the cost. If air conditioning is used, wind movement around the home during the summer can raise energy costs. This occurs when hot, humid outside air is directed around windows, doors, and through cracks. For AC using homes, keeping these winds away is the landscape goal.

 

Shrubs and trees should be planted around an air-conditioned home so that they make walls of foliage that direct the prevailing southern breezes away from the house. A multi-layered summer windbreak can be used along the southern exposures. The tallest line of plants should be the closest to the house. Along and close to the walls that face the direction of summer winds, a foundation planting of shrubs can create a dead air space that will reduce warm winds. Deciduous shrubs or open-branched species should be used on the south side to allow the sun to heat those exposures in winter.

In the case of all landscaping around a home, consider planting to reduce wildfires as well, especially if your home is located in heavily wooded areas. And, be aware that dead air spaces can contribute to some pest problems. Plant leaves that do not dry out may be subject to higher insect and disease problems.

Shade trees positioned between windows and prevailing summer winds should be low-branching to provide maximum protection against air movement. Additional tall shrubs can be placed nearby but on the windward side of east and west windows.

 

The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program suggests these energy saving tips:   When planting trees plant deciduous trees on the west, south and east sides of the house to cast shade in summer and let in warming light in winter.  Tree shade can reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 50% in summer.  Shading the air conditioner compressor allows it to use less energy too but be careful not to block the unit’s airflow so the warm air can escape...

For colder weather, a fence or a row of evergreens on the north side of the house forms a barrier against cold winter winds.

We can suggest specific plants that do well locally that will reduce energy costs if planted in the right place. Dr. Black's complete article, Plants Can Reduce Energy Costs, can be found on the web at:   http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/gt/reducenrg/reducnrg.htm   If you need additional information on landscaping to save energy, call or stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North. Our phone number is 863- 763-6469, and you can email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu.  In Highlands County call 863-402-6540 and in Glades County call 863-946-0244. GO GATORS!     

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Trade  names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.  Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida.  Larry A.  Arrington, Dean. Last update: 07/21/2008.  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert