Trees Can Guard Your House from Damaging Sunlight

By: Lee Bell
Submitted: 2008-10-07 18:08:42
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher |

Rating:

 

Those who reside in Arizona are well aware of the sun's damaging tendencies. People in the Midwest have to contend with salt damage that leads to cars rusting out. In Arizona, the damage to a car is often on the roof with faded paint or a damaged interior. The same thing is true for a house. The sun's rays can damage the roof, as well as interior furnishings. A window does not provide nearly enough protection, as the sun's rays can lead to fading and degradation of the rug and furniture.

A few remedies are recommended. Replacing glass with specialized glass that blocks harmful UV light is one option, as is painting UV-stabilized coating to protect wooden doors, the patio, the roof, and other areas. However, one of the better ideas is to fight fire with fire - or, rather, fight nature with nature. While many might go to the local hardware store to remedy the situation, a trip to the local nursery might be a better avenue. At the very least, planting trees and shrubbery can be used together with the methods already mentioned.

Large Trees Shade and Protect Your Home

The cost of a fully grown tree can be prohibitive. This gives you two options. You can accept the expense of a large tree, or you can purchase a sapling and count on other methods of reducing sun damage until your shade tree grows. Some of these methods are varnish, awnings, or special types of glass that will protect your home while your tree grows. When you set out to plant a tree, do so on the southern side of your home so that your home gets the maximum protection during the sunlight-intensive months of summer.

Since your home's situation will be different from everyone else's, there is no cookie-cutter way to plant trees.  You must take into account whether or not your property has adequate area for a large tree. Consider also the amount of root space that your tree will need. One option is to plant a tree in an area that is not presently getting direct sunlight, because you can still enjoy benefits like reduced UV rays and a cooler home, even if the tree is not located in direct sunlight.

Select Varieties that Work in Arizona

The climate in Arizona is hot and dry. This makes it perfect for a cactus, but unpleasant for many other types of vegetation. It is best, therefore,to pick trees that will thrive in a climate that has low humidity. Some trees will experience leaf burn in this region of the country, so pick trees that are compatible to the Arizona climate. Some excellent choices are: Cottonwood, Palo Verde, Chilean Mesquite, Fax Tex Ash and Chinese Pistache.

Use Less Energy with Trees

Arizona is a place where it is frequently 90 degrees in the shade. Still, introducing trees and shrubs around your property can actually cut down on energy costs. A home in the shade means that it will need less air conditioning. Really, what is more relaxing than sitting under a shady tree on a warm fall day? That alone makes planting large-scale trees worth the time and money. Trees will not only improve your quality of life, but increase the value of your home, so it will be a good investment.

Article source: Expert Articles