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​When temperatures start to rise outside we usually see our home cooling costs rise as well.  So, are there any methods we can use to reduce these extra costs?  One way that might not immediately spring to mind is your landscape.  How can landscaping be used to keep a home cool during the hot months?  By landscape shading.  This involves the careful planting of trees and shrubs so that as they grow, they provide shade to the home.  This method can lower indoor temps by as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit.  But, what do you need to know before deciding if it is a good idea for your home?
 
Good planning is important for any project and landscape shading is no exception.  Trees need to be planted in just the right location in order to provide shade to a home in the area its needed.  You also need to think about what trees would be best, for example, how dense will the tree become? The denser the tree, the more shade will fall on the home.  Another thing to think about is whether you want shade all year round or prefer the heat from the sun in the winter.  In such a case, you may want to choose deciduous trees which will give maximum shade during summer but lose its leaves in winter.
 
As we all know, trees take a long time to fully grow.  If you need something to grow more rapidly then you might want to consider vines.  They are ideal for wrapping around a trellis etc. which is, not just good for shade, but will also allow a breeze to pass through.  You could also use shrubs if you are looking to shade a pathway or driveway.
 
Yes, careful planning is essential with landscape shading.  During this planning process, think about your property and consider whether too much moisture will be produced by planting extra trees which can cause other problems.  Also be aware that you will not see savings at first due to the cost of the trees. 

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