At this intensely hot time of year, energy costs soar right along with the temperatures. Adding the right shade trees to your landscape can help keep you cooler while lowering your bills.
Now is an excellent time to evaluate your yard and determine where additional shade is needed.
Trees can help lower air-conditioning costs by blocking the sun from windows, exterior walls and the roof. Research shows that shade trees will reduce heat gains by 40 percent to 80 percent, depending upon the trees' placement and density. In the right spot, a tree is a better energy saver than an interior Venetian blind or curtain.
Deciduous trees that drop their leaves during the winter are generally the best choice. They provide shade during the summer when it's needed, and let the sun shine on the house in the winter when the added warmth is welcome.
Evergreen trees, which retain their foliage in the winter, provide constant shade, even in colder months, when it's not generally as desirable.
Evergreen trees are not necessarily neater than deciduous ones, either. The evergreen Southern magnolia is one of the messiest trees we grow here.
Evergreens are desirable, however, where screening for privacy is needed, or as a windbreak planted on the north side of the yard to block cold winter winds.
Deciding where to place your shade tree is very important. To be most effective for reducing energy consumption, trees should be planted on the southwestern and western side of the house. In those locations, they'll shade the house from the most intense sun during the hottest part of the day.
Trees to the south and east also will help, while those located to the north of the house are not as effective.
Planting for energy conservation doesn't mean you should completely surround your home with a forest. People frequently plant too many trees, not realizing how large they will become.
Trees need to be planted the proper distance from the house and away from concrete surfaced areas, such as sidewalks and driveways. Although house slabs are generally not affected by roots, thinner concrete surfaces, such as patios, driveways and sidewalks, can be damaged.
The recommended distances are generally related to the mature size of the tree. Larger trees, such as oaks, should be planted at least 15 feet from sidewalks, driveways and the house, while smaller trees, like yaupon hollies, should be planted about 8 feet or more from concrete surfaces.
To shade a patio, choose smaller trees as they are more in scale with the surroundings and less likely to damage surfacing materials.
Deciding on the right placement, number and type of trees requires careful planning, but you have plenty of time to consider your options. Although now is the time to make decisions on where shade is needed, the ideal tree-planting season is November through February.
Use the next couple of months to study your landscape carefully. Then determine what size tree is needed for the job.
Generally, medium-sized trees, those that grow 30 to 55 feet tall, are suitable as primary shade trees in average-sized urban lots.
Avoid large trees which have a height of 60 feet or more or a spread more than 40 feet, such as sycamore, pecan and live oak, unless you have a property large enough to accommodate them.
Small trees, which grow 15 to 25 feet tall, are suitable for planting closer to the house and are particularly useful for a patio or deck area.
Other characteristics you might want to consider are whether a tree has attractive flowers, interesting bark or produces nuts or berries, its rate of growth and overall form (more upright or spreading) and whether it has attractive fall color and so on.
Look through references, check with friends and neighbors and talk to horticulturists at your local nurseries and LSU AgCenter Extension office. Selecting a tree is an important decision, but with some careful thought and research, you'll know just the right ones for your landscape.
Speaking of the heat, most weekend gardeners are more accustomed to their air-conditioned homes than the blazing temperatures outside. When working outdoors at this time of year, extra stresses are placed on our bodies.
As we sweat, dehydration occurs. This can cause headaches, weakness, nausea and, if your body temperature rises, heat stroke. You can lose up to two quarts of water every hour.
To prevent dehydration, drink before, during and after your time in the garden. Drink before you're thirsty and consume cold liquids because they're absorbed by the body faster.
Drink water. But if you choose other liquids, make sure they contain only a small amount of sugar, as it slows down absorption. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and caffeine.
Work outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon and stay in shady areas as much as possible. Wear a hat, loose, comfortable clothing and use sun screen and mosquito repellent. Also, take frequent breaks and try not to stay in the garden for extended periods.