Spring is the optimal time to plant trees on your property – but did you know that planting the right tree in the right place can help you save energy? Putting it in the appropriate location is also a safety measure. Hydro One offers a number of suggestions.
Plant tall-growing trees at least eight metres from power lines. Tree contact with lines accounts for about 30 per cent of power outages in Ontario.
Deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees provide shade from the summer sun to cut down on heat gain, but lose their leaves in winter to let sunlight enter homes and maximize solar warmth and light. Plant them to the south and the southwest around windows to provide shade from late afternoon and evening sun.
A good windbreak includes a mixture of coniferous trees, deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs and perennial plants. The right combination planted tightly together can thoroughly shield a home from cold winter gusts.
Low-growing evergreen shrubs planted beside basement walls add a green layer of insulation to a home’s exterior. Tightly placed shrubs help to keep warmth in and winter winds out. Remember to plant shrubs at least 60 centimetres away from foundation walls.
