Energy Management

Trees Workfor

1. Why do we plant trees?

• Add Beauty– Spring flowers, fall foliage color, interesting

bark, fragrance– Screen unwanted views, reduce noise and

dust, define property boundaries.• Enrich our Environment

– Food– Provide wildlife habitat– Improve air quality– Reduce storm water runoff and soil erosion.

• Benefit our Psychological and Social Well-being– Provide background to soften and enhance

architecture– Reduce stress– Shorten hospital recovery times– Lessen crime

• Economic Savings– Attract businesses and residences to an

area– Increase property values– Reduce cooling and heating costs

2. What do we need to know before planting trees?

• Biological needs must be met in order for trees to survive and thrive.

• Investment Required– Water, mulch, fertilizer, spray, pruning

• Growing Space Necessary– Low-Growing Trees

• Mature height of 25 feet or less• Plant a minimum of 15 feet from electric lines• Utilize where growing space is limited

– Medium-Growing Trees• Mature height up to 50 feet• Plant a minimum of 25 feet from electric lines• Utilize where growing space will allow a

mature height of 30 to 50 feet– Tall-Growing Trees

• Mature height of over 50 feet• Plant a minimum of 50 feet from electric lines• Utilize in large areas with no overhead or

underground restrictions that could cause damage or become a liability

– Water and Drainage Availability• Species tolerate wet or dry growing conditions differently.• Soil compaction may greatly reduce tree growth because of insufficient oxygen

in the root zone.• Soil contaminants such as road salt or herbicide can potentially poison the

planting site.– Soil Texture and pH

• Soil is the most overlooked requirement when selecting a tree.• Choose species that are suited to the soil conditions of the planting site.

– Light Levels• Sunlight levels may significantly affect plant growth and survival.• Plant trees in a location matching their sunlight requirements.

– Hardiness• A plants ability to survive in low temperatures.• Just as some plants are not suited for severely cold temperatures, others

may be stressed by high temperatures or dry conditions.– Pest Resistance

• Choose pest-resistant varieties that require minimum maintenance.• Select a tree that will not be stressed on a given site. Stress can weaken a

tree’s ability to withstand the invasion of certain pests.– Pollution

• Chemicals in the air• Salt and street de-icing chemicals

3. What does plant the right tree in the right place mean?

• Increasing the tree’s chance for survival• Tall-growing trees should never be planted under or near electric lines.

– Severe injury or death may result from climbing trees in contact with electric lines.

– Service interruptions may occur.– Trees pruned for utility clearance may have an unnatural appearance, be more

susceptible to insects and diseases and have a shortened life span.

• Avoid planting trees near underground utility lines– The root area is larger than the branch spread above ground and can be damaged if

lines need to be dug up for repairs.– Be sure to have utilities located prior to planting. Never assume utility lines are buried

deeper than you plan to dig. In some cases, utility lines are very close to the surface.• By knowing the mature branch spread, one can avoid planting a tree too close to a building

where it may cause damage to the roof or siding, or too near an intersection where it may block visibility.

4. How do we plant trees for energy management?

• Trees properly located near and around buildings can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.– Cooling

• Trees shade the ground, reducing temperature, and cooling the air.• Properly planted trees can save 58-65% of air conditioning costs.• Neighborhoods with large, mature trees can be up to 11 degrees cooler in

the summer.• Plant where you want the shadow during the hottest time of the year – and

the time of day you desire the shade.• Larger, deciduous trees located on the south and west sides of the building

typically contribute the most to reducing air-conditioning demands. During winter, these trees also allow sunlight to pass through and warm buildings.

– Warming• Heating costs are reduced when a home has a windbreak.• Well-placed trees can serve as windbreaks, which can be particularly

beneficial in cold and winter climates.• By breaking the force of cold air movement, a windbreak can reduce winter

fuel usage by 10 to 25%.• Plant conifers to the north and west, approximately 50 feet or more from the

house to protect from cold northern winds.