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Saving Energy by Planting Nursery Stock as Windbreaks
In the past week there has been an increasing interest inlandscape design for energy conservation. Rising fuel costs canbe offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control windand sun. In Pa. the first line of defence for energy savings isprotection from the cold winter winds by the use of landscaping.Research shows that properly designed screens and buffers canreduce the heating cost of a typical residence by as much as 30percent. Arborvitae can work to also help cut your heating costsby using them for a wind screen. Arborvitae For Winter FuelSaving There have been studies that show that wind speeds aroundhomes can be reduced by as much as 90%. The best design forwindbreaks depends on the use and exact location of the site.However, in most of Pa. the prevailing winds are from thenortheast, thus, the maximum protection should be concentratedin the north east. A single row of conifers with staggeredspacings is the best for protection from both wind and blowingsnow. The wind is deflected up and over the screen, creating awell protected zone. The area of maximum protection can extendoutward several times the height of the trees. If space is at apremium, fewer plants will be helpful, but the use of conifersand other densely branched species is essential for maximumwinter protection.arborvitae make an excellent choice forproviding winter protection. Arborvitae are commonly usedevergreens useful in urban areas where low maintenance anddurability is needed. Many cultivars with forms such as beingglobed in shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be nearbuildings, doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger areused for screens and buffers that are planted in rows. The formof arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending on thecultivar. Some reach 50′, others only 3′. Even small Arborvitaecan help breakup the wind and drifting snows of winter. Mostprefer full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shadeconditions should be avoided. A moist, well drained, loamy soilin full sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthyarborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urbanconditions of heat drought and pollution. The most importantpest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to preventcomplete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders whichalso prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning outmultiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady. The easein planting and maintaining this plant make it an ideal choicefor planting around the house. Plant shrubs with wind directionin mind. Since south winds are generally warmer than northeastwinds, it is considered sufficient to have moderate protectionon the east and desirable to leave the south open or restrictedto rows of shrubs and deciduous trees. More openness to thesouth allows solar gain in the winter and for summer ventilationhouse. The economic incentive of reduced heating costs isadditional to known benefits of reduced snow clearing. Whilemost homes have at least some naturally treed areas or plantedscreens protecting their yard, the full potential benefit fromtree planting is far from being realized. Energy conservation isa growing concern. Current studies confirm what fuel oil dealershave known all along, homes with screens and buffers useconsiderably less fuel. The time to begin planning for an energyconscious future is now. You can see more about plants at Bill’sweb site http://www.seedlingrus.com
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