Trees help conserve energy in three primary ways: casting shade to keep buildings cool, blocking chilly winds to keep buildings warm, and transpiring (evaporating) water to decrease ambient air temperature. Obviously, trees casting shade onto buildings affixed with solar panels …
What can I do about my neighbor's trees blocking my solar panels?
Solar access rights and regulations vary considerably across the United States. Many states and municipalities protect solar access rights through statutes and ordinances that regulate vegetation obstruction of solar panels. Where such public regulation does not exist, condominium or homeowners …
Can I plant trees to increase the efficiency of my wind turbine?
Depending on their size, density, and placement, trees can either decelerate or accelerate wind. Trees also create turbulence in the prevailing wind flow, which reduces the efficiency of the wind turbine. To maximize turbine efficiency, there should be no obstructions …
Who do I call to get permission to plant a street tree in front of my house?
Jurisdiction and authority over streetside planting spaces vary across the United States. In some localities, the city retains complete control over street tree planting. In other localities, the adjacent private property owner is responsible for the space and is encouraged …
What is the difference between a Certified Arborist and a Consulting Arborist?
The difference between a Certified Arborist and a Consulting Arborist resides with the organization that issues the title.
Certified Arborists are accredited through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Each individual who passes the specific test for certification will …
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 …
How do trees save energy in the winter?
Winter sun helps warm things up so, when deciduous trees loose their leaves, more sunshine and solar radiation are cast on homes and buildings. Money and energy are saved by increasing warming in and around structures. Savings also come from …
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'm planting a tree and shrub windbreak to shelter my home in winter. What should I take into account in locating and designing it?
First, the windbreak should be located upwind from prevailing winter winds. If most of your winter wind comes from the north, then locate the windbreak to the north of your home. Also, wind will tend to curl in around the …
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 …