Energy conservation is or should be a concern for everyone, for a multitude of reasons. We spend a lot of money on energy, whether it’s gasoline, electricity, natural gas, batteries, firewood, etc. All of these forms of energy cost money. …
Experts talk about carbon dioxide as a pollutant. Is it poisonous?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) can be poisonous at very high concentrations.
If you’ve seen the movie Apollo 13, you know that one of the crises the NASA engineers had to overcome was devising a carbon dioxide filter to keep the …
How do homes and other buildings lose heat during the winter months?
Homes and businesses lose heat through air infiltration, heat conduction and radiation transmission.
To reduce air infiltration, properly positioning vegetation around homes and businesses can help slow wind velocities.
To reduce heat conduction, layer the vegetation …
Could I grow enough trees in my yard to absorb all the carbon dioxide my lifestyle generates?
Unless you have a very large yard, measured in acres of land, it is unlikely that you could offset your carbon footprint by planting trees. However, trees do absorb CO2, so planting trees in any size yard can help offset …
Should I cut the top out of my tree to make it safer?
Trees should never be “topped.” Removing the uppermost stem and branches of the tree will disfigure the tree, distort its growth and shape, pose a greater risk of sunscald to the inner portions of the tree and open a large …
What is enviroscaping and how can it help conserve energy?
Enviroscaping is the practice of landscaping to modify the surrounding environment. The purpose behind the practice of enviroscaping can be to create a sustainable or low-impact landscape, to enhance the natural environment, and also to conserve energy.
In many parts …
What can I plant on my septic field?
Turfgrasses and native grasses are good options for planting over septic fields. You may also consider non-woody perennial plants. Trees and shrubs should not be planted on the septic field and should be placed far enough from the septic field …
Which types of trees should I plant on the south side of my home so as not to shade the winter sun?
The northern latitudes of our continent are cool during the winter months when the sun is in the southern hemisphere. This time of year we want the warming effects of the sun to reduce the energy usage of our homes …
How can I measure the dollar amount of savings from tree shade on my power bill?
While there are many variables to account for, such as climate, home insulation, HVAC type, etc., research conducted at Auburn University found that with 17% shade on your house, your power bill will decrease by $10 per summer month (when …
How can I find a good tree care professional?
Look for an arborist with professional credentials, such as certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a registered consulting arborist from the American Society of Consulting Arborist. Request references for work that the professional has done that is …