With summer still heating up and the winter right around the corner, there are always ways to help with your energy bills. One great way that can help is planting shade and warming trees around your home. Not only does this lower your bills up to 20%, but it also helps out the environment and the wildlife. It’s a win win!
Arbor Day Foundation has a program partnered with utility companies, municipal, and corporate organizations to help give their customers free trees. Give your utility company a call today and see if you are eligible! They use a specialized map to see where your house is and it finds the best placement for the trees to get the most savings. New Jersey is in zone 6/7 for planting so you want to find the species native to your area.
Now you must be wondering what kind of trees will be the best for shade. Some things to look into would be the size of the tree and if its deciduous. It should lose all of its leaves in autumn and be able to grow over the house to cast enough shade. Here is a sample list of some tree species for New Jersey.
1. Silver Maple
Reaching heights 49-82 feet, this tree needs a lot more sunlight than others and is normally found near waterways.
2. Weeping Willow
Lifespan is between 40-75 years and can get up to 80 feet tall.
3. Red Oak
This is the official state tree of NJ since June 13th 1950.
4. River Birch
Growing up to 100 feet, this tree is well known for its curling, paper-like bark.
For warming trees, you want to look for something that will protect the house from the harsh winter winds. You want to space them in a staggered or hedge-like row to be able to create a natural wall. As for the cooling trees, you also want to look for larger species for the warming ones as well. Trees that can grow to the height of your house, and keep their green all year round. Some trees included are the following.
1. Norway Spruce
Has the largest cones of any spruce and is used as the main Christmas tree in several cities around the world.
2. Arborvitae
Also known as the “Tree of Life’, can produce up to a foot of growth each year up to50 feet tall, depending on the species.
3. Colorado Blue Spruce
This spruce is deer resistant and can withstand drought, and extreme low temperatures.
4. Spartan Chinese Juniper
Rarely needs pruning and grows up to 20 feet.
Time and patience are the main keys with any good investment, and trees are no exception. Make sure you do plenty of research and find what works best for your house. Trees are our future so plan(t) ahead!
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Credits: Arbordayfoundation.org, extension.org