Plant Some Green, Save Some Green

By Anne Consroe

In today’s world of skyrocketing fuel prices and fears of water shortages, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce utility bills while minimizing their environmental impact. One approach involves techniques in which you landscape your lawn.

Follow these five easy pointers to help cut down on your household utility bills and help the environment, while landscaping your property.

1. Plant deciduous trees to shade your house. Planted on the east, west, and south sides of your house, deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves in the fall) naturally cut down on air conditioning expenses during long hot summers. When the trees loose their leaves for the winter, they allow sunlight to warm up the house, also helping on heating costs during the colder months.

2. Plant evergreen trees to break the rough cold winter winds. It is beneficial to determine the dominant wind direction at your house (usually on the north and west), and plant your evergreen upwind. This will also help cut down on heating costs during the winter.

3. Plant species native to your geographical area. Native plants evolved through generations to be acclimated to the natural weather patterns of an area, and therefore require less maintenance and irrigation than exotic plants. They are also more resistant to pests and diseases than many non-native species, reducing the need for pesticides. When you do water, however, remember to water either in the morning or in the evening, when the sun is not at its peak. This will maximize how efficient the plant uses the moisture.

4. Plant a small garden for your home use. Planting fruits, vegetables, and herbs not only saves money and allows you to know exactly where your produce comes from, but also supports a more sustainable way of producing food. And of course, natural and/or organic gardening techniques maximize the benefit to the environment.

5. Compost. By starting a compost pile, you are able to reduce your landfill contribution while recycling your waste and providing vital nutrients to your garden. Fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, and yard clippings can all be composted to add beneficial nutrients to your landscaping.

Please visit

http://extension.usu.edu/forestry/HomeTown/Energy_TreesandEnergy.htm

for more information on planting trees for energy conservation,

http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/

for more information on native plants, and

http://www.compostguide.com/

for more information on composting.