Some communities, businesses or state agencies may offer subsidies for tree planting in specific situations. Contact your local office of the State Forestry Commission to see if programs like this exist in your area. You can also check with the …
Is there anyone who can give me free advice about the trees near my house?
Trees located in public spaces, such as parks and street rights-of-way, are typically the responsibility of the municipality. If this is the case, consult with the local department of parks and recreation or public works. These departments often have an …
Are some trees better for energy conservation than others?
It depends on which part of the country you live in.
In northern latitudes with cold winters, dense evergreens planted to block chilling winds are important for conserving heat energy. Likewise, deciduous shade trees with a sparse branching habit are …
What is evapotranspiration?
Evapotranspiration is a combination of evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation is a physical process that transforms liquid water into vapor by absorbing heat. Transpiration is the biological process of plants releasing water vapor through leaves. This water was previously pulled up …
I live in an apartment. How can I help conserve energy with trees?
Living in an apartment does not preclude citizens from helping their communities conserve energy with trees. Close to home, tenants can encourage landlords to plant trees as a way to save money and add curb appeal to their properties. Shade …
I want to select the best spot for my tree. How can I find out where the sun will be in the summer and winter?
The position of the sun is expressed in altitude (or elevation) and azimuth, both of which will vary by location, time of day, and time of year. Altitude refers to the height of the sun over the horizon (higher in …
Which trees provide the "best" shade in summer?
It’s true, not all tree shade is created equal. Broad-leaved, deciduous trees, in general, cast a broader shadow than many evergreens, such as pine species. This is due, in part, to the shape of the mature tree canopy. When grown …
Where can I find information about trees I can plant for energy conservation?
Most states have information to help you decide what trees are right for your location and planting conditions. In Maryland, for example, and many other states you can view nursery catalogs and order trees online from state professionals. The …
Are pine trees a good option for planting around my home for energy conservation?
All pine species have evergreen needles and grow seed cones; however, pine species vary considerably in where they are found, how big they get, and how fast they grow. Therefore, pine species also vary in their potential for energy conservation …
Which trees are recommended for maximum energy conservation?
For most aspects of energy conservation, the bigger the tree the better. Larger trees shade larger areas. Though not an energy-saving feature, large trees also store more carbon. In some ways, trees that use more water save more energy too, …