Question

Use these words for slogan trees water save conserve block trees plant

Answer 1

Trees and other vegetation impact energy use and conservation in several important ways. The net cooling effect of one tree is equivalent to 10 room-sized air conditioners running for 20 hours a day.Trees block solar radiation and reduce solar gain by shading building windows and air conditioning units. Mature deciduous trees can block 70% to 90% of the solar radiation on clear days in the summer. Deciduous trees also have a significant shading impact in winter, blocking up to 30% to 50% of the solar radiation passing through the bare branches and twigs. Plant characteristics that impact energy conservation include height, form, and crown density, as well as the length of time the plant has foliage. Trees become denser as they grow older and different species have varying crown densities. A primary goal in using trees for energy conservation is to maximize shade during the summer and minimize it during the winter. Trees also impact energy use and conservation by reducing wind speed. Minnesotans typically spend 10 times more to heat than cool their homes. Because of the low sun angles in winter months, south facing windows should remain unobstructed by vegetation to maximize passive solar warming, which can provide 5-20% of the energy needed to heat a home. Because of this, avoid placing shade producing trees on the south side, unless they are at least twice their mature height away from the house. The prevailing, cold winter winds from the northwest significantly impact heating costs as well. Therefore, planting a windbreak on that side of your property, or shelterbelt, can help deflect wind and provide additional savings. Space will be a limiting factor when creating these. Thus, larger suburban or rural properties are usually where shelterbelts are used. Traditionally, these begin with 1-2 rows of shrubs, 1-3 rows of small to mid-size deciduous trees and end with 1-2 rows of evergreen trees, usually spruce which are dense and start branching low to the ground. Shelterbelts are usually placed 50-200 feet away from the house on the north and west sides of the property running perpendicular to the prevailing winter winds, and extending well beyond the structure. Smaller urban lots can still benefit from the use of wind deflection. Structures placed on the northwest side of your property can help as can a grouping of large evergreens or deciduous trees with dense canopies.