Planting trees can help to reduce home heating costs

At the beginning of the season, I wrote about planting trees to reduce the cost of cooling our homes.

Now that fall and winter are approaching, it might be time to think about saving some money on heating as well.

Research has shown that we can save 20 to 50 percent on heating costs by choosing the right place to plant trees.

In winter, the cold air moving around our homes pulls warm air away, causing the structure to cool until the furnace kicks on. Trees planted as a windbreak reduce this wind-chill effect.

With this winter-wind diversion, we could save enough to buy all the plants we want for years to come.

To maximize the benefits, we need to follow a few rules.

Our prevailing winds usually blow from the southwest or west. That means windbreaks should be planted on that side of the house.

The denser the tree, the more you benefit, so plant conifers like spruce, fir or pine. Plant at least two staggered rows of trees, with a mature height one to two times the height of your house.

This isn’t possible on most lots, but even one tree can make a difference.

Surprisingly, the best results come when the planting is away from the house. Multiply the mature size of the tree by five to determine the ideal planting distance away from the house.

This is the ideal, but you can still benefit if they are closer.

The trees must be taller than the house to give the full benefit. Always determine its mature height before choosing a species.

Check for utility lines before planting, and call your utility company before you dig.

You can determine the best tree for your site by visiting the Master Gardener Plant Clinic, talking to a certified arborist or asking a nursery professional.

This week in the garden

•If it stays hot, continue watering plants deeply. Deep-water your trees and shrubs once a week to make sure they are well hydrated for winter. Mulch your perennial beds with 2 inches of compost to give them some insulation and help the soil hold water.

•Keep your garden looking good and save yourself trouble next year by weeding it now.

•Plant fall bulbs now for some beautiful flowers in the spring.

•Fertilize your lawn now with slow-release fertilizer; this will help it survive the winter and green up quickly in the spring. Follow the label rate; more is not better.

•Fall is the best time to overseed your lawn to fill in bare patches. To make sure the seed has good contact with the soil, lightly top-dress the area with compost and roll it.

•Fall is also a good time to plant trees and shrubs. The selection at most nurseries is sparse, but it’s possible to find some great deals on healthy plants.