Landscaping

Landscaping carefully around your house can actually save you money on electricity and make your home more comfortable. In winter, properly placed trees and shrubs shield your home from cold winds, reducing heat loss by 10 to 30 percent. In summer, shade provided by trees and the cooling effect of water evaporating from leaves can significantly reduce your need for cooling.

The Solar Window

Begin your landscaping plan by identifying your home's "solar window," which is how much sun your home receives given its placement on your lot. In the Pacific Northwest climate, the ideal solar window is 90 degrees east and about 50 degrees west of true south. (Click on the diagram to see a detailed image.)

Plant Trees

After determining your home's solar window, keep it clear for winter warmth and light. If you need to plant trees inside your solar window, minimize the impact by planting deciduous, "solar friendly" trees that have open crowns in the winter, leaf late spring and drop their leaves early in the fall (for example: redbud, green ash, and honey locust.) A local tree nursery may be able to help you choose varieties for your site.

Outside the solar window, plant conifers or deciduous trees with dense winter crowns to protect your home from the cold winter wind. Deciduous trees may be preferable on the west side because they'll give you more light in the winter.

Plant several rows deep if you have room, and use trees of various heights planted together. You may be able to use a berm or natural slope for additional protection.

More Tips

• Make sure you don't obstruct your neighbor's solar window in residential areas. Eugene and Springfield have solar access ordinances, so plan carefully before you plant or build.
• Choose trees based on their maximum heights and diameters at full growth.
• In rural areas, plant your first row of trees so it will be 50' back from your home. This will provide a natural fire break and let in more light during the winter,
• Use properly sized overhangs or movable outside-mounted shades at windows to keep the sun out of your house at mid-day.

Building and Remodeling

It's not always possible for your floor plan to take full advantage of natural weather patterns. But whenever possible, locate primary living spaces to the south side of the house, where they will receive natural light and warmth throughout the year. Put rooms that are used infrequently, like storage and utility spaces, on the colder north side to create a buffer of insulation around your living space. The ideal energy-efficient house would sit on the east-west axis of its lot, with the longest wall of the house facing south. This positioning will protect you from all but the western sun.

Copyright Alan Van Zuuk