Shade trees foster cooler temperatures underneath their leafy boughs and that can translate to lower utility bills for homeowners, said Jim Robbins, extension horticulture specialist-ornamentals with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
“Shade trees that are properly located on your property can cut summer utility bills by 20 percent or more,” he said.
In other words, Arkansas homeowners could have it made in the shade.
“For energy efficiency, it is best to plant deciduous trees on the west side of your house,” said Robbins. This provides shade during the intense heat of the day. The trees will also lose their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight in to help warm things up.
Air conditioning units can be shaded by trees too, potentially increasing their cooling efficiency by as much as 10 percent.
So, when is the best time to plant a tree?
Spring is the major planting season but the best time is in the fall, said Robbins. “It allows the trees to form a good root system before they have to contend with the heat and humidity of our summers,” he said.
There are plenty of species that make great shade trees: oaks, maples, ginkgo, river birch, Chinese pistache and sweetgum are popular. Finicky about sweetgum balls? A new cultivar on the market, called Robundifolia is sweetgum ball-free.
Homeowners should select a shade tree based on need, said Robbins.
“Do you need and have room for a large shade tree or do you want a small understory tree for color?”, he asked. Make sure the tree is located away from power lines, is at least 15 feet from the foundation and that the area has good drainage.
An oft-heard proverb is that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is today. With Arbor Day just around the corner, consider planting one.
In 1970 President Richard Nixon proclaimed the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day. Many states, however, including Arkansas, observe Arbor Day on the third Monday in March. National Arbor Day will be observed April 30 this year.
An informative poster, Shade and Lawn Trees, is available online at http:// www.forestry.state.ar.us/ community/Lawn_Trees_ FINAL%5B1%5D.pdf.
For more information on Arbor Day, trees and tree planting, visit www.uaex.edu and see the fact sheet “Landscape Trees for Specific Uses,” http:// www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/ FSA-6126.pdf, or The Arbor Day Foundation’s Web site, www.arbor.day. org.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any legally protected status and is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer.
- Column provided by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension Service
News, Pages 5 on 04/28/2010