Winter
In the winter, take advantage of the sun’s warming effect and deflect winds with dense windbreaks.
Summer
In the summer, shade the south and west sides of your home from the hot sun.
Coniferous Trees
Coniferous trees and shrubs have leaves year-round which provides continuous shade. Plant coniferous trees and shrubs to the north and northwest of your home to stop wind.
Shrubs
Plant low shrubs on the windward side of the windbreak to trap snow before it blows next to your home.
Distance
Make the distance between your home and the windbreak about 2 to 5 times the height of the mature tree for maximum protection.
Fencing
Build a fence or wall, in addition to planting coniferous trees, to deflect the wind over your home.
Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees block solar heat in the summer and lose their leaves in the fall, which lets sunlight in during the winter. Plant a 6- to 8-foot deciduous tree near your home, and it will start shading your windows in the first year. If you plant deciduous trees to the south of your home, they can screen 70 to 90% of the heat.
Trees with Crowns
Plant trees with crowns lower to the ground on the west side of you want to shade form lower, afternoon sun angles.
Patio Area
Plant bushes, shrubs or climbing vines with a trellis to shade your patio area.
Air Cooling
To cool the air before it reaches your home, plant shrubs and groundcover plants.
