Money Saving & Energy Efficient Front Yard Landscaping

A pretty front and backyard can only go so far. Many experts have proven that energy efficient landscaping that takes into consideration energy needs, may well save a family more then 30% of their usual heat or cooling costs - either in the winter or summer. These savings could tangibly translate to almost $250 worth of savings in a year.

So what are some of these "easy" ideas? We have listed a few below that won't require the use of an expensive landscape architect.

What About the Sun?

One of the key considerations in energy efficient garden landscaping design includes the various weather conditions that prevail in the area. This means taking into consideration where the sun shines and what path the sunlight takes. A house's walls and foundations, when hit directly by the sun, will absorb almost 90% of the sun's heat, thereby increasing the burden on the air-conditioning or cooling system to keep the house cool.

Usually, the best way to keep the sun out is to build design shade backyard landscaping. Plant deciduous, dense, and broad trees to the south or west of the house, where their foliage can provide shade against the rays of the hot summer sun. Keeping the sun out can reduce temperatures to up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

These deciduous trees lose their foliage over the winter and will give you access more of the sun's heat in the winter when your home's walls and foundations need the heat.

Break the Wind

A cold winter wind seeping into the home can rapidly cause a temperature drop. This will also be reflected in your next energy bill.

Plants that serve as effective windbreaks include evergreens or trees in general. In fact, even fences placed in strategic locations can serve as windbreaks.

Keep the Heat or Cool In

One way you can help save energy by making sure the warm or cool air does not escape from your home by adding insulation in the ceilings, gaskets around the doors, vents and windows, and having double pain windows.

Another way to help is through your energy effecient landscaping with thick shrubbery close to the home creating a natural barrier. This barrier should be close but leave a small space between the walls and the plants creating a dead air barrier. By communicating with your landscape architect your intentions he will know the best distance between home and shrubbery for this dead air barrier to be the most effective.

In landscaping your yard or garden, it is important to maximize the benefits by using an aesthetically pleasing landscape. After all, energy efficient landscaping in the area will effectively save energy and money in the long run.