In my continuing series on how GardenLine can save you money, this week's email tip encompasses planting trees (and other plants) to help lower your energy bills. Here in the south, trees do more than just add curb appeal. Trees planted on the east and west sides of homes can cut your cooling costs up to 20%. Not to mention, planting trees is probably the most environmentally-conscious thing all of us can do year-in and year-out. That's because trees produce oxygen and clean the air. Plus, with the wholesale chopping down of rainforests and because of urban sprawl, so many trees get needlessly cut down every year, thus we all need to do our part to counter that negative impact to the environment.
Before we "dig" into the Planting of Trees part of this tip sheet, did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 acre of trees produces 4 tons of oxygen annually? That's enough oxygen to sustain 18 people for one full year. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide from the air, along with particulates in air pollution such as nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
But in this economic downturn, the most important benefit of trees is how strategically planted ones can block out the sun's heat, keeping your home cooler. Conversely, in the winter, trees and tall shrubs can create a windbreak that can help cut heating costs by as much as 30%. In places where you can't realistically plant a tree, growing evergreen shrubs like Texas Wax Myrtles also plays a big role in lowering you energy costs. Plus, in even more cramped areas, growing vines like Fig Ivy also work to reduce the heat impact on west facing walls.
And I'm going to make it so easy for you to plant at least one free tree this Saturday by offering the first 100 people a one-gallon tree from one of the best tree farms around. If you'll come see me at Shades of Texas this Saturday following the radio program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. I will provide free trees to the first 100 folks who come see me. Plus, if you want to really dig deeper into the tree placement for energy efficiency, they have specimens all the way up to 200-gallon giants.
Plus, anyone who reads this message or listens to the radio show this Saturday will understand how to register to win a 65 gallon Monterrey Oak. We will draw the winner at 1 p.m. that day. If you have a trailer or a truck, bring it with you in case you do win, so you can take it straight home. If you don't have a way to get the tree home, and you are the winner, Shades of Texas will cut you a great deal for delivery and/or planting.
In the meantime, whether you get a free one-gallon tree, win the 65-gallon give-away, or buy your own specimens for planting this weekend, please read my tip sheet back at the GardenLine Webpage all about Planting Trees. If you'll follow the rules in that tip sheet, you will ensure transplant success as well as give the tree the best chance to grow faster and develop a deeper root system which makes it a better shade providing asset.
Finally, if you don't have a clue what kind of tree you desire or that I recommend, start by reading our tip sheet back at the webpage on my dozen favorite. My book, Gulf Coast Gardening with Randy Lemmon has even more detailed list of the top 15.
And yes, they do have it for sale at Shades of Texas for this Saturday's appearance.
So, in our intent to save you money with better shade trees, just remember all the other benefits you'll enjoy 1. Improved Curb Appeal 2. Provide Shelter and Food for Wildlife 3. Improve The Air In Our Environment.