Plant The Right Tree In The Right Place

Spring is the optimal time to plant trees on your property – but did you know that planting the right tree in the right place can help you save energy? Putting it in the appropriate location is also a safety measure.

Here are some helpful tips from Hydro One:

1. Plant tall-growing trees at least eight metres away from power lines. Tree contact with power lines accounts for about 30 per cent of power outages.

2. Deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees provide shade from the summer sun to cut down on heat gain, but lose their leaves in winter to let sunlight enter your home and maximize solar warmth and light. Plant them to the south and the southwest around your home’s windows to provide shade from late afternoon and evening sun.

3. A good windbreak includes a mixture of coniferous trees, deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs and perennial plants. The right combination planted tightly together can thoroughly shield your home from cold winter gusts. Even a single row of white pine trees can reduce the speed of wind hitting your home by 60 per cent.

4. Low-growing evergreen shrubs planted beside basement walls add a green layer of insulation to your home’s exterior. Tightly placed shrubs help to keep warmth in and winter winds out. Remember to plant shrubs at least 60 centimetres away from your foundation walls.

5. Remember to call before you dig to locate underground lines.

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