A windbreak is a row or group of trees, shrubs, or structural elements (e.g. fences) that are used to block and direct the wind. Vegetative windbreaks are used in agriculture to prevent wind erosion or damage to field crops. For …
Is there a specific type of tree that is good to plant for energy conservation?
Different types of trees can help to conserve energy in different ways. Deciduous trees (trees that lose all of their leaves each fall) save energy in summer by shading houses, paved areas, and air conditioners. Small deciduous trees and …
Urban Forests: Environmental Benefits
Guide wind – Maximize summer cooling
Strategically positioning vegetation in landscapes can maximize energy benefits and save money for homeowners, commercial properties and public facilities. Vegetation can be placed within the landscape to manipulate air movement by
- obstruction,
- guidance,
- deflection, and
- filtration.
Use vegetation to obstruct …
Urban Forestry Video Series New Release!
Trees provide more than just beauty or a source of wood products. Rather, trees provide an assortment of economic, environmental, psychological and social benefits to humans. Energy savings are one such highly valued benefit or service urban trees provide. Did …
Home Energy: Useful tools on the web
Many websites provide tools and information to help home owners, building managers and designers with energy efficiency. Below is a listing of tools taken from links from Energy Program at FedCenter.gov that relate to energy conservation, alternative energy sources and …
Tree Planting for Lower Power Bills
Whether it is winter or summer, trees can help you save energy at home.
Shade for Savings
Did you know that only 17% shade over your house during the day translates to a savings of 10 dollars a month on …
How do trees and other vegetation affect urban mesoclimates and microclimates?
Vegetation affects urban mesoclimate and microclimate by intercepting solar radiation, directing air movement, and affecting air temperature. Microclimate, mesoclimate and macroclimate can be used to describe the climate of a given location. Macroclimate covers hundreds of square miles and parameters …
Time for Trees to Provide Energy Conservation Benefits?
It is possible to plant a tree that within a few years will provide energy conservation benefits. The length of time between planting and energy conservation savings is a function of the following factors:
- Tree species (fast- or slow-growing)
Climate Mitigation by Urban Forests
Planting trees in urban areas can help mitigate carbon dioxide levels because trees can sequester carbon and offset some energy use for cooling, as some studies have illustrated in California.
The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32…