Discuss how trees placed on different sides of a home can contribute to energy efficiency.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Deciduous trees are natural sun blockers. Placed on the south side of a home, trees can keep direct sunlight off the
south wall, the one most exposed to solar heating, for almost the entire day during the late spring, summer and fall.
Mature trees, with a height of 20 feet or more, can also shade much of the roof. In winter, when sunlight contributes
useful heat to the home’s interior, the trees shed their foliage and allow it through. Trees placed on the west and
east sides of a home won’t do as much to block the summer sun as those on the south, but can still contribute a lot
of useful shade. West side plants are especially helpful in taking the edge off late afternoon sunlight coming
through windows and beating against walls. North side trees will contribute little to energy efficiency in the home
because their shadows can only shade the home during the early mornings and late evenings of summer.