LATEST NEWS
11-17-2025

Save Home Energy Costs Using Native Plant Landscaping

  • To passively heat your home in winter, use deciduous trees on southern exposures.
  • To protect your home from cold winter winds, plant evergreen trees and shrubs like Magnolia, holly and pine on northern exposures.
  • Shading your home will provide you the biggest savings. Plant tall trees on the south or west side to protect your home from afternoon sun. Maple, sassafras and riverbirch are all good options. (Bonus: They also provide fall color and the latter has attractive exfoliating bark!)
  • Shade your air conditioner unit. You can do this with a small tree or tall shrub. Dogwood, redbud or arrowwood viburnum are great options for this purpose.
  • Planting a grouping of trees on your property acts as a natural air-conditioner for the entire property. It cools your home and it intercepts the stormwater that runs off your property by slowing it down, preventing erosion and protecting our waterways.
  • Cool the air around your home using shrubs that soak up runoff better than turf. They can also provide an attractive sight from within your home. Chokeberry, winterberry and sweetspire are all perfect for the occasion!

Smart, Seasonal Landscaping for Year-Round Benefits

No matter the time of year, native plants can help you save energy, reduce maintenance, and support local biodiversity. Whether it’s blocking wind, adding shade, or reducing runoff, there’s a native tree or shrub to meet your needs and elevate your landscape. Contact Direct Native Plants to learn more.

With more of us working from home, it’s no surprise that home energy bills are climbing. But did you know that your landscape can help lower those costs naturally?

A well-planned native plants landscape doesn’t just beautify your yard; it can significantly reduce your need for heating and cooling. By planting strategically, you can create a more energy-efficient home and reduce your carbon footprint.

  • To passively heat your home in winter, use deciduous trees on southern exposures.
  • To protect your home from cold winter winds, plant evergreen trees and shrubs like Magnolia, holly and pine on northern exposures.
  • Shading your home will provide you the biggest savings. Plant tall trees on the south or west side to protect your home from afternoon sun. Maple, sassafras and riverbirch are all good options. (Bonus: They also provide fall color and the latter has attractive exfoliating bark!)
  • Shade your air conditioner unit. You can do this with a small tree or tall shrub. Dogwood, redbud or arrowwood viburnum are great options for this purpose.
  • Planting a grouping of trees on your property acts as a natural air-conditioner for the entire property. It cools your home and it intercepts the stormwater that runs off your property by slowing it down, preventing erosion and protecting our waterways.
  • Cool the air around your home using shrubs that soak up runoff better than turf. They can also provide an attractive sight from within your home. Chokeberry, winterberry and sweetspire are all perfect for the occasion!

Smart, Seasonal Landscaping for Year-Round Benefits

No matter the time of year, native plants can help you save energy, reduce maintenance, and support local biodiversity. Whether it’s blocking wind, adding shade, or reducing runoff, there’s a native tree or shrub to meet your needs and elevate your landscape. Contact Direct Native Plants to learn more.

With more of us working from home, it’s no surprise that home energy bills are climbing. But did you know that your landscape can help lower those costs naturally?

A well-planned native plants landscape doesn’t just beautify your yard; it can significantly reduce your need for heating and cooling. By planting strategically, you can create a more energy-efficient home and reduce your carbon footprint.

  • To passively heat your home in winter, use deciduous trees on southern exposures.
  • To protect your home from cold winter winds, plant evergreen trees and shrubs like Magnolia, holly and pine on northern exposures.
  • Shading your home will provide you the biggest savings. Plant tall trees on the south or west side to protect your home from afternoon sun. Maple, sassafras and riverbirch are all good options. (Bonus: They also provide fall color and the latter has attractive exfoliating bark!)
  • Shade your air conditioner unit. You can do this with a small tree or tall shrub. Dogwood, redbud or arrowwood viburnum are great options for this purpose.
  • Planting a grouping of trees on your property acts as a natural air-conditioner for the entire property. It cools your home and it intercepts the stormwater that runs off your property by slowing it down, preventing erosion and protecting our waterways.
  • Cool the air around your home using shrubs that soak up runoff better than turf. They can also provide an attractive sight from within your home. Chokeberry, winterberry and sweetspire are all perfect for the occasion!

Smart, Seasonal Landscaping for Year-Round Benefits

No matter the time of year, native plants can help you save energy, reduce maintenance, and support local biodiversity. Whether it’s blocking wind, adding shade, or reducing runoff, there’s a native tree or shrub to meet your needs and elevate your landscape. Contact Direct Native Plants to learn more.

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