Landscaping designed with energy efficiency in mind can also serve as a means of lowering your energy bills. The key lies in maximizing your shade potential to lessen warmer temperature effects.

Planting native trees on the east and west sides of your home will help to increase shade, especially during morning and afternoon hours. This can lessen the run time of your air conditioner to help you save money and prolong the life of your equipment.

The high angle of the noontime sun makes landscape shading of a roof difficult. Energy can still be saved even if the roof is not totally shaded, because most energy from the sun enters your home through the windows. Remember to plant medium and large trees at least 30 feet from power lines and your home.

Vines or shrubbery planted close to the foundation can also block the sun's warming rays and greatly influence energy efficiency. Grass and/or ground cover also provide an absorbing cushion for the sun's heat.