Thursday, December 18, 2008

Landscaping Ideas and Tips

Landscaping
If you are considering creating a nice flower garden area, shopping for plants even on sale, can be expensive. Before you go out and start spending, look around to see if you have other plants that can be split from your existing flowers.

Also compare prices before you go. Check out this Outdoor Decor online shopping center to get an idea of what the prices should be before you venture out. Additionally, if you have a good relationship with any of your neighbors, you might ask them if they have any plants you could use as a starter.

Another great idea is the next time you are in the market to buy a lawnmower, purchase one that mulches leaves. This way, rather than buy mulch for your flowerbeds every year, you can simply use the mulch you make.

Landscaping For Energy Savings
Are you looking for cost-effective yet eye-pleasing ways to lower your energy bills? Planting trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and hedges could be the answer. In fact, landscaping may be your best long-terminvestment for reducing heating and cooling costs, while also bringing other improvements to your community.

Landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to keep your home more comfortable and reduce your energy bills. In addition to adding aesthetic value and environmental quality to your home, a well-placed tree, shrub, or vine can deliver effective shade, act as a windbreak, and reduce overall energy bills.

A well-designed landscape will:
  • Cut your summer and winter energy costs dramatically.
  • Protect your home from winter wind and summer sun.
  • Reduce consumption of water, pesticides, and fuel for landscaping and lawn maintenance.
  • Help control noise and air pollution.
  • Landscaping Saves Money Year-Round
Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household's energy consumption for heating and cooling. Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in
energy costs annually.

On average, a well-designed landscape provides enough energy savings to return your initial investment in less than 8 years. An 8-foot (2.4-meter) deciduous (leaf-shedding) tree, for example, costs about as much as an awning for one large window and can ultimately save your household hundreds of dollars in reduced cooling costs, yet still admit some winter sunshine to reduce heating and lighting costs.

Landscaping can save you money in summer or winter. More info coming soon. Please check back.