DNR Question of the Week

Q: Winter heating bills have been relatively
high the past couple winters. How can planting trees help lower
energy bills in the winter and summer?

A: Shade trees can reduce air conditioning
bills by nearly 25 percent and reduce annual fuel bills by up to 20
percent. Also, trees around the community help keep us cool in
summer and shelter us from harsh winter winds. In order to achieve
these savings and benefits, trees should be strategically located
on your property and throughout your neighborhood.

For example, avoid planting shade trees near south-facing
windows. If a tree already blocks a south-facing window, remove the
lower branches. The angle of the sun is much lower in the winter,
so not blocking these windows will allow you to take full advantage
of the free solar energy when it’s cold outside. On a regional
scale, trees could significantly reduce energy use during peak load
periods and reduce air pollution.

More information on how trees can lower your energy bills can be
found on the DNR’s Web
site.

Ken Holman, DNR Community Forestry Program coordinator