Cool your home by planting a tree

The cost of heating and cooling our homes continues to grow, but there is a garden-related solution. Research has shown that we can save 15 to 35 percent on air conditioning and 20 to 50 percent on heating costs by choosing the right place to plant trees. Since summer is on the way, let’s start with keeping our houses cool.

Everyone knows that it’s cooler in the shade. Not everyone knows that in addition to creating shade, trees also cool by increasing the moisture content in the air. They create this cool zone to protect themselves but animals from insects to humans have learned to take advantage of it.

Why not extend the cool zone to your house? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the shade effect of a healthy young tree is roughly the same as 10 room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day.

To maximize the benefits of this idea, there are a few things to keep in mind. Planting deciduous trees will cool your house all summer, and once the leaves have fallen, the winter sun can shine past the branches to provide a little warmth.

Intuition may tell us to plant on the south side of the house, but studies show planting a tree on both the east and west sides is just as effective. This also blocks less light in the winter. The trees must be taller than the house to give the full benefit, so always determine its mature height before choosing a species.

Putting a tall tree under utility lines is never a good idea, so look up before you start digging. You can determine the best tree for you by visiting the Master Gardener Plant Clinic for free information. You also can consult a certified arborist or talk to a nursery professional.

This week in the garden

•On the home front, it’s time to plant and transplant trees, shrubs and perennials. Hold off on pruning woody plants until they have completely leafed out, but if you need to fertilize, now is the time for them, as well as for spring flowering bulbs. Remember more is not better, so follow the label.

•You can still aerate your lawn and overseed bare patches. Make sure seeded areas don’t dry out. If you apply a weed and feed to your turf, stay well clear of trees and shrubs. Herbicides can’t tell the difference between a dandelion and a dogwood, so use caution.

•Add compost to your vegetable gardens and flower beds when the soil is dry enough to work. Healthy soil rewards you with healthy plants and protects our water quality.

•Last but most important, your garden shouldn’t be all work. Take some time to wander around and enjoy spring.