From Scott's Desk

ENERGY EFFICIENT PLANNING »

Are you thinking of contacting us for a landscape evaluation?  Here are a few things to consider as we prepare your project. 

Taking advantage of “nature’s heating and cooling system” through the effective use of landscaping is an important way to cut energy costs by as much as 10-15%.  The main idea behind landscaping is to plant trees and shrubs so they shade your home in hot weather and block the chilling winds of winter.  Take a good look at your house and yard before you spend a lot of money on shade trees or other greenery.  It is important to make your yard work for you, and you must know how your house is oriented (north, south, east, west) so you can minimize heat gain in the summer and maximize it in the winter.  By planting shade trees, it is possible to reduce solar heat gains during the summer by 40-80% depending on the density of the trees.

Trees can help keep your home cool by blocking direct sunlight and by keeping the ground and air in the shaded area cooler thereby reducing the flow of heat into your home.

Different types of trees provide different amounts of shade.  Deciduous trees are more effective when planted on the south and west sides of a house.  Deciduous shade trees are seven times more effective at blocking out the summer sun’s hot rays than shades or draperies.  If planted in the right spots, mature deciduous trees can also help prevent heat buildup in attics.

Evergreen trees do not shed their leaves and provide constant shading.  They should be planted in a way to protect doors and windows from northerly winds.  Evergreens, in general, are most effective when planted on the north and west sides of a house but not on the south side where they will block the warm winter sun. 

Shrubs are most effective when planted close to a building.  They serve much the same purpose as trees in affecting the building’s outside surface temperature by blocking winds and creating shade.  A dead-air space between your house and the shrubs can be created by planting a dense foundation of yews, arborvitae, hemlock or spruce.  This will give your house additional “insulation” as well as protection from the wind.

When we landscape for you, keep in mind that we will proceed in a way that will keep you and your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter thereby saving your valuable energy resources while complimenting the general harmony of our creative concepts.  Why not give us a call today?

Here are a few uplifting thoughts for your consideration:

“Humankind was created in the image of God, thus representing God as His stewards, to rule the natural environment in a faithful and fruitful way.” 

“If anything, as Christians who believe that this world and the life and resources on it are gifts from God, we should be at the forefront of seeking to take care of it.  If we believed that the earth is just a chance creation, the product of cold, uncaring forces, we could almost be excused in seeking to exploit it to our own ends.  When, though, we understand this world as something that God created and sustains, it’s hard to see how we could do anything other than be responsible stewards of it.”

Excerpts from Glimpses of Our God by Jo Ann Davidson 

Fall Is A Time For Planting »

The tag "Fall is For Planting" continues to ring true. If you are one of those who has put off planting for one reason or another, fall can be a great time to capitalize on your previous procrastination.  Large trees seem to do better when planted in the fall after frost has sparked the dormancy cycle. Planting of shrubbery in early fall requires less watering and care than spring/summer planting as there is less competition from the turf as less hot drying days. Watering is still important as the plantings need to store up reserves for the drying winter winds, especially the evergreens. Much root growth is concentrated in the fall. Next spring will yield a smile for your efforts now as your new plantings emerge respective to the benefits of the micro climate at their new home. Lawn plantings also get best results in this area if expedited prior to October 15.

To  see how FALL planting can maximize curb appeal and value for you, call Scott Cleveland Landscape Corp today at 1-800-327- BUSH (2874).