Planning Your Planting


The Placement of vegetation is important when landscaping your home. The following suggestions will help you gain the most from vegetation:

  • Plant trees on the northeast-southeast and the northwest-southwest sides of your house. Unless you live in a climate where it is hot year-round, do not plant trees directly to the south. Even the bare branches of mature deciduous trees can significantly reduce the amount of sun reaching your house in the winter.
  • Plant trees and shrubs so they can direct breezes. Do not place a dense line of evergreen trees where they will block the flow of cool air around or through them.
  • Set trellises away from your house to allow air to circulate and keep the vines from attaching to your house’s façade and damaging its exterior. Placing vegetation too close to your house can trap heat and make the air around your house even warmer.
  • Do not plant trees or large bushes where their roots can damage septic tanks, sewer lines, underground wires, or your house’s foundation.
  • Make sure the plants you choose can withstand local weather extremes.