Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving

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September 2005 Windbreaks - Breakup the Cold Winds of Winter Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving Evergreens of Highland Hill Farm This Saturday and Sunday will be a Crazy Weekend Greetings!

In the past week there has been an increasing interest in landscape design for energy conservation. Rising fuel costs can be offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control wind and sun. In Pa. the first line of defence for energy savings is protection from the cold winter winds by the use of landscaping. Research shows that properly designed screens and buffers can reduce the heating cost of a typical residence by as much as 30 percent.

Liars figure and figures lie or so it goes. But there is no doubt that there is a factor known as the wind chill factor. This article will help you understand what winds can do to heating costs and how your landscape can block the wind saving you heating dollars.

There have been studies that show that wind speeds around homes can be reduced by as much as 90%. The best design for windbreaks depends on the use and exact location of the site. However, in most of Pa. the prevailing winds are from the northeast, thus, the maximum protection should be concentrated in the north east. A single row of conifers with staggered spacings is the best for protection from both wind and blowing snow. The wind is deflected up and over the screen, creating a well protected zone. The area of maximum protection can extend outward several times the height of the trees. If space is at a premium, fewer plants will be helpful, but the use of conifers and other densely branched species is essential for maximum winter protection. Arborvitae make an excellent choice for providing winter protection. Arborvitae are commonly used evergreens useful in urban areas where low maintenance and durability is needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being globed in shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings, doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger are used for screens and buffers that are planted in rows. The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending on the cultivar. Some reach 50′, others only 3′. Even small Arborvitae, as in the picture, can help breakup the wind and drifting snows of winter. Most prefer full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions should be avoided. A moist, well drained, loamy soil in full sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat drought and pollution. The most important pest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to prevent complete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which also prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady. The ease in planting and maintaining this plant make it an ideal choice for planting around the house. Plant shrubs with wind direction in mind. Since south winds are generally warmer than northeast winds, it is considered sufficient to have moderate protection on the east and desirable to leave the south open or restricted to rows of shrubs and deciduous trees. More openness to the south allows solar gain in the winter and for summer ventilation house. The economic incentive of reduced heating costs is additional to known benefits of reduced snow clearing. While most homes have at least some naturally treed areas or planted screens protecting their yard, the full potential benefit from tree planting is far from being realized. Energy conservation is a growing concern. Current studies confirm what fuel oil dealers have known all along, homes with screens and buffers use considerably less fuel. The time to begin planning for an energy conscious future is now.

There many trees and plants that can be used in windbreaks and screens. The White Pine is another special plant. It is fast growing and durable. Two foot trees can grow into a large fuel saving shelter belt quickly. We sometimes see 3′ of growth per year when then conditions are correct. Its soft graceful blue needles can complement your backyard and give quick privacy. Besides it is one of least expensive plants and is not invasive.

This year I promise that I will be in top form. I shall have lots and lots of free plants for everyone. The further you travel to get here the more you will receive. It is not possible that we will sell all the inventory in our fields that are to be turned into the Plumstead Township Ball Fields. I will not let the plants go to waste. We will find homes for them.We love our plants and they too need homes. We will start 8 a.m. sharp and stop when dogs don’t hunt no more. Bill Hirst Ps Ask to see my Africa Trip Album

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Landscaping can save on fuel heating costs and this article explains how.

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