Spring is a great time to plant trees; think woody natives. By carefully coordinating the species of tree and the planting site, one can save on home heating and cooling costs and provide wonderful habitat for native birds and insects.

By planting a tree on the sunny south side of one’s home, one provides shade that will decrease air conditioning costs. One can also increase the efficiency of an outdoor or window air conditioner by 10% when shading it with a tree or shrubs. Additionally, vines growing on a trellis can reduce the surface temperature of the adjacent wall by up to 40ºF. Each home that provides shade for its air conditioning unit prevents .14 tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the air every year.

Remember that deciduous trees lose their leaves in the autumn thereby allowing sunshine to flood the home and reduce heating costs in cold weather. While one appreciates the financial benefits of planting a native tree or two, one can also enjoy the birds and other wildlife that use the new habitat. It’s a win-win situation.