Landscape plants and shrubs can help reduce winter heating costs

Strategically placed plants, bushes and shrubs in a landscape is one way to cut down on heating bills, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service consumer horticulturist.

“Homes with little or no landscaping around them can easily lose heat,” Hillock said. “Unprotected homes can lose more heat on cold, windy days than on days that are equally cold, but not as windy. Strategically placed trees and shrubs in the landscape can help intercept the wind and cut your heat loss.”

He suggests this spring when homeowners are considering new plantings in their landscapes, as well as those who are building a new home and looking at landscape plans, keep in mind how the new plantings can help reduce next year’s heating bill.

As much as one-third of the heat loss from a home can escape through the walls and roof by conduction. The Oklahoma winds can increase the convective air currents along outside walls and the roof which results in increased heat loss.

In addition, air leakage or infiltration also can account for heat loss in homes and buildings. Cold air from the outside can flow through cracks in the walls and around window and door frames.

“A windbreak, coupled with foundation plantings can reduce the penetrating power of the wind,” he said. “Research shows that windbreaks can reduce winter fuel consumption by 10 percent to 30 percent. Obviously, the amount of money saved by a windbreak around a home will vary depending on the climate of the area, location of the home and the quality of the home’s construction.”

A well-weatherized house with adequate ventilation, caulking and weather stripping will not benefit as much from a windbreak as a home that is poorly weatherized.

Studies have shown that three-row windbreaks with 25-foot tall trees reduced wind velocities and the wind chill index by 60 percent for a distance of 125 feet downwind. A cedar-type windbreak can reduce wind speed from 12 miles per hour to three miles per hour up to two times the height of the trees.

“Homeowners should locate their windbreaks two to five times the mature height of the trees from the house in order for it to be the most effective,” Hillock said. “Some urban homes may not have this much space available. However, keep in mind that even a single row of evergreens can be beneficial in limited space.”

He suggests homeowners who are tight on space may want to plant some of the slim juniper cultivars such as the Skyrocket. Also, vines on a wire fence, trellis or arbor can make a big difference in cutting down the wind.

Not only are windbreaks good for reducing wind speed, they can be located to control snow as well. A windbreak can reduce the energy required to remove snow from around the home, buildings and roads. Make sure the windbreak is located so that it will have the desired effect on drifting snow.

“Evergreens tend to provide the best protection, but dense branching deciduous trees can significantly reduce wind speed. Height and density are the two key points when selecting windbreak trees and shrubs,” Hillock said. “A little planning ahead now can have a significant impact on your heating bills next winter.”

For more information regarding landscaping and energy costs, see fact sheet F-6417, Landscaping for Energy Conservation. This fact sheet can be downloaded at www.osuextra.org.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

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