Your local gas or electric company may provide you with trees you can plant on your property. This is done to encourage the right kind of trees being planted in the right kinds of places, to reduce peak energy demand, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
How does vegetation help reduce noise pollution in urban ecosystems?
Vegetation reduces noise pollution through a phenomenon called sound attenuation, which is the reduction of sound intensity. Normal attenuation of sound occurs as the energy of sound dissipates over long distances until not enough energy is left to vibrate …
What should I look for when selecting a quality tree?
High-quality nursery stock begins with a reputable nursery. Check references or call your local county Extension office for recommendations.
In deciduous trees, look for dark-green, untattered leaves that are well-distributed throughout the crown. For evergreen trees, look for dark-green, firmly …
Choosing the Best Landscape Trees for Home Energy Conservation
Photo credit: Ted McGrath
Everyone knows it’s cooler in the shade and warmer in the sun’s rays. Even animals instinctively know this; you have seen cows gather under trees in the fields when the sun is high in the sky. …
eLearn Urban Forestry: Online Training in Urban Forestry
New eLearning Program Targets Allied Professionals to Urban Forestry
As most of us know, healthy urban forests require a strong investment, and not just from the individuals and communities who benefit directly from these forests, but also from the professionals …
Urban Tree Planting (Part 1): Site Selection
Site selection is the first, important step to make when planting trees in an urban environment. Quality sites have a higher probability of supporting long-lived and healthy trees, whereas poorly chosen sites produce poorer-quality trees. Urban environments are challenging for …
What types of evergreen trees can provide wind protection to my house?
Any evergreen that is well-suited to your site’s soils and growing zone can serve as a windbreak. Some of the most common evergreen trees used for windbreaks in the U.S. include pines, spruces, junipers, and cedars.
A note here on …