Plant a Shade Tree

Photo: Steven Miric/istock

By Brian Clark Howard

The simple act of planting trees can decrease the energy you need to cool your space, as well as provide a place to hang a tire swing.

Shade trees can reduce the need for air conditioning by 7% to 40%, according to research by the Department of Energy and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Shaded walls are 9 to 36° F cooler at peak temperatures.

Trees raise property values and provide many other benefits. According to the U.S. Forest Service, a 1985 study estimated the values of an average 50-year old shade tree as: air conditioning worth $73, soil erosion and stormwater management worth $75, wildlife shelter worth $75, and air pollution control worth $50 — a total of $273. In 1989, a total value of $57,151 was estimated for the life of a typical tree.

Get the best results by planting trees to the west and southwest of buildings. Deciduous plants work well in temperate zones, because they block sunlight in summer but let it in during chilly months. Spring and fall are the best times to plant them.

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