Some estimate that you can reduce energy costs by 10 percent to 25 percent through landscaping.
First of all, windbreaks will help reduce heating costs. Our prevailing winds in the winter are from the north and northwest so windbreaks to the north and northwest of your home, in a L or U shape, will help reduce the effect of the wind on your heating costs. If there's room, they should be 50 feet from the area to be protected. Windbreaks are effective for about four to six times the height of the trees.
Another consideration on windbreaks is their effect on snow deposits. Snow will deposit in an area from one to three times the height of the trees. For example, a 20-foot tall windbreak of evergreen trees would provide the greatest wind reduction 80 to 120 feet to the south or southeast. Snow accumulation would be greatest 20 to 60 feet away in the same direction. More information on this can be found in MU Guide 6910, Landscaping for Energy Savings.
Other benefits of landscaping can include the creation of summer shade. It is most beneficial to look at where the shadows would fall with the placement of trees in the landscape. Trees to shade a one-story house would need to be within 15 to 20 feet of the house. Large trees should not be placed closer than 20 feet from the house. Vines can also be used to create shade. To provide the most benefit for summer and winter, trees and vines should be deciduous, shading the house in the summer, but allowing the sun to shine in during the winter.
Other considerations in landscaping include using plants to create air movements that will make various areas in the landscape more comfortable during the summer. Plants also create a cooling factor as water evaporates from wet leaves.
There are many considerations as you select plants for your landscape. Proper placement is very important. Consider power lines, how large the plant will eventually be and how well it fits into the landscape.
Some utility providers will provide free trees for their customers. Check with your power supplier to find out more. They may also help you with an energy audit and help evaluate where trees would be most beneficial.
For more help, you can obtain the MU Guide 6910, Landscaping for Energy Savings at your MU Extension Center online at muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06910.htm.