Interior Design

A pretty 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 how does one accomplish energy efficient landscaping? There are various things that can be considered in both existing and soon-to-be-developed landscapes.

Making Use of or Protection from the Sun’s Rays

Where and how you can include energy efficient landscaping would greatly depend on the part of the country in which you live.  Your home may be hit on three sides by the sun each day making the cooling system work extra hard during the hotest part of the season.  Others may have a home that is situated on their property so that it faces morth-east with lots of shady trees on the south-west side making it very cold in the cooler months.

You can protect your home from the sun’s hot rays by planting large shade trees on the south and west side of your home.  Of course on the flip side, if you want your home to be warmer in the long winter months you would want to do just the opposite, creating large open areas so that the sun can naturally warm the home.

You will also want the warm rays of the sun to heat the hardscape surrounding your home this will also increase the heat levels inside the home.

Adding Protection from the Wind

Wind chill can also cause your home to be cooler.  A cold winter wind blowing through your home can quickly drop the inside temperature by as much as 10%.

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

Comfortable Home Temperatures

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 is with the energy efficient landscaping that includes thick shrubbery planted close to the home, but leaving a pocket of dead air creating a natural thermal space.  Again, make use of your local nursery expert as to which type of shrubs would be the best and the proper amount of dead air space between the home and shrubs.

A properly maintained and landscaped home cannot only be attractive but practical.  You will saving hundreds of dollars each year by making energy efficient landscaping a priority.

Find the latest information on outdoor landscaping visit  Outdoor Landscaping Ideas  as well as Energy Efficient Landscaping