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Saving Energy By planting Nursery Stock and windbreaks
In the past week there has been an increasing interest in
landscape design for energy conservation. Rising fuel costs can
be offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control wind
and sun. In Pa. the first line of defence for energy savings is
protection from the cold winter winds by the use of landscaping.
Research shows that properly designed screens and buffers can
reduce the heating cost of a typical residence by as much as 30
percent. Arborvitae can work to also help cut your heating costs
by using them for a wind screen. Arborvitae For Winter Fuel
Saving There have been studies that show that wind speeds around
homes can be reduced by as much as 90%. The best design for
windbreaks depends on the use and exact location of the site.
However, in most of Pa. the prevailing winds are from the
northeast, thus, the maximum protection should be concentrated
in the north east. A single row of conifers with staggered
spacings is the best for protection from both wind and blowing
snow. The wind is deflected up and over the screen, creating a
well protected zone. The area of maximum protection can extend
outward several times the height of the trees. If space is at a
premium, fewer plants will be helpful, but the use of conifers
and other densely branched species is essential for maximum
winter protection.arborvitae make an excellent choice for
providing winter protection. Arborvitae are commonly used
evergreens useful in urban areas where low maintenance and
durability is needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being
globed in shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near
buildings, doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger are
used for screens and buffers that are planted in rows. The form
of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending on the
cultivar. Some reach 50',
others only 3'. Even small Arborvitae
can help breakup the wind and drifting snows of winter. Most
prefer full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade
conditions should be avoided. A moist, well drained, loamy soil
in full sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy
arborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urban
conditions of heat drought and pollution. The most important
pest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to prevent
complete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which
also prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out
multiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady. The ease
in planting and maintaining this plant make it an ideal choice
for planting around the house. Plant shrubs with wind direction
in mind. Since south winds are generally warmer than northeast
winds, it is considered sufficient to have moderate protection
on the east and desirable to leave the south open or restricted
to rows of shrubs and deciduous trees. More openness to the
south allows solar gain in the winter and for summer ventilation
house. The economic incentive of reduced heating costs is
additional to known benefits of reduced snow clearing. While
most homes have at least some naturally treed areas or planted
screens protecting their yard, the full potential benefit from
tree planting is far from being realized. Energy conservation is
a growing concern. Current studies confirm what fuel oil dealers
have known all along, homes with screens and buffers use
considerably less fuel. The time to begin planning for an energy
conscious future is now. You can see more about plants at Bill's
web site http://www.seedlingrus.com
About the author:
Grower of trees and plants for over 45 years. Auther gives tips
on saving fuel by planting a windbreak.
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Saving Energy By planting Nursery Stock and windbreaks
In the past week there has been an increasing interest in
landscape design for energy conservation. Rising fuel costs can
be offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control wind
and sun. In Pa. the first line of defence for energy savings...
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