How to cut your energy bills with shade trees

Can shade trees lower your energy bills? Yes, say the experts. A lot.

Trees offer many benefits, from reducing pollution, to adding beauty and value to property, to creating wildlife habitat. Perhaps the most tangible benefit is reducing energy bills. We talked with two tree experts — Dan Lambe, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation, and Scott Maco, a research urban forester with the Davey Tree Institute — to learn more about this.

Q: How much energy and money can you actually save by planting trees?

Dan: "Trees have a major effect, but it's difficult to be specific because every site is unique. One study showed that mature trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air-conditioning needs by 30 percent and heating needs by 20 percent. Another study showed that planting one young tree on the west side of your home can cut energy costs by 3 percent within five years, and nearly 12 percent within 15 years."

Scott: "Local climate plays a big role. Homes in hot areas can save up to 30 percent on their electricity bills, while in milder climates the savings may only 5 percent. However, even that can add up to substantial savings. The Davey Tree Institute, partnering with Casey Trees, maintains a Tree Benefit Calculator at davey.com/treecalculator that helps you estimate the benefits of having a tree in your yard."

Q: How should you plant trees around your home for the greatest benefit?

Scott: "Trees save the most energy when planted on the east and west sides of a house. If you can plant only one tree, remember that 'west is best' to shade the home during the hottest part of the day. Trees on the south side of a house won't save much because in summer the sun is too high to be blocked by most trees. And in winter, when the sun is lower, those trees can block the sun from warming the home."

Q: Large trees take years to mature. Is there any way to reduce bills in the short term?

Dan: "The best thing to do while you wait for large trees to grow is to plant smaller, fast-growing trees that will shade your air-conditioning unit. That can increase cooling efficiency as much as 10 percent."

Scott: "Here's another thing: If you have trees growing close to the south side of your home, consider pruning off the lower branches to allow more sunlight to come through during the winter. Not every tree is suitable for this, so consult a certified arborist.

Q: How do you choose appropriate trees?

Dan: "In general, we recommend large shade trees. Some of the best species include oaks and maples, but it depends on your climate."

Scott: "That's right. Deciduous trees are more solar-friendly because they provide shade in the summer and allow the warming sun to heat a home in winter.

Dan: "If you go to arborday.org you'll see a Hardiness Zone map and a guide to trees that are best suited to your area."

To find more trees for your climate, go to BHG.com/plantfinder.