This summer you will see a spike in your electric bill as you and your family are going to want to beat the heat by turning on your air conditioner. But did you know there are many upgrades you can make to your system to help you cut costs this summer while you stay cool? One of the most cost efficient changes is one you probably have over looked,  a shade tree. Continue reading for Tower Equipment’s complete guide to shade tree’s and how they will save you big this summer.

Why Plant a shade tree?

Not only do shade trees provide curb appeal to your home, shade trees provide exactly what an over baking home needs, shade.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, shade tree’s and other well-planned landscape items can reduce your air conditioning costs for your home by 15-50 percent compared to the average home with no shading.

The shade the trees provides a barrier from the sunlight, stopping it from pouring into your windows which promote coolness around your home. The cool groundwater is consumed by the trees which flows throughout their leaves and slowly gets evaporated in the surrounding air causing a mist. This misty air is up to six degrees cooler than nearby areas. The cooler the air around your system is, the less work your system has to do due to the fact that the air is already cool going into your system. This creates a drop in your energy bills. But before you go out and start planting trees to save money there are three things you must keep in mind

1. Type of Tree – Choosing the right shade tree for your home has a lot to do with your climate, what will work in humid areas may not work in hot and dry climates. Your trees must grow and thrive to help you save money so make sure to find the best fit for your location. A good example of a shade tree is a deciduous tree. They sprout big, shady leaves in the spring & summer generating cool air around your home but they drop them in the fall when your home needs the warm sunlight making them a perfect fit for the job.
2. Location– Location is the most important part of planting shade trees. Shade trees are most effective when they are planted 10 to 20 feet from the exterior of the home. When planted too close they can cause structure damage and too far they can be rendered useless letting the sun flood into your home. There are also other factors such as shorter shade tree’s are best planted on the east and west sides of a home because that is where the sun is going to shine the closest to the horizon. If you are at all uncertain on where to place your shade tree consider consulting a professional landscaper.
3. Roots – Just because trees roots are out of sight do not leave them out of mind. As your new shade trees grow so do their roots. If you plant them too close to your air conditioning unit the tree could grow into the space causing harm to your system and possibly even your foundation. If you are uncertain where to place your shade tree consider consulting a professional landscaper for maximum results.

Don’t have a green thumb? Contact Tower today to find other ways you can cut costs this summer!