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at the outside of their houses. A quick trip to the local plant nurs- Spring is a time when home- owners come out of hibernation and start looking Cut heating costs: a shovel and a pair of garden- ing gloves and they're in busi- ness. What more do you need to know? Plenty! "Don't plant trees and shrubs before you think about how they could effect the energy efficiency of your home," says Barbara Pauly, Chief of Marketing of the Efficiency and A l t e r n at iv e Energy Branch at Canada. We all know that there are many things to do inside your house to make it more energy-em- cient. such as caulking win- dows, weather- stripping win- dows and doors and insulating. But landscaping ideas can also Energy, Mine and Resource contribute contribute to your house's overall energy efficiency. wind break would be a cedar hedge," suggests I a n d s designer W i l l a e r t . "Another way is to create berms or hills that will direct the wind aw house "The ay from the c a p e Denis best break Here are some landscaping tips that can benefit the energy effi- ciency of new and existing homes: 1. Plant leaf- bearing trees such as maples or oaks on the south side of your house. This pro- vides the house with shade in the summer and lets the sun shine into plant trees your home in the winter when the leaves have fall- en 2. Plant ever- green trees such as balsam or blue spruce on the 3. If your home is exposed to the elements, especially pre- vailing winds, consider planting spruc walls north. an evergreen ac mg But well- thought out land- scaping can con- .tribute to increased energy 'efficiency. Be sure that you can get the maximum benefit from landscaping the energy-efficient way! ' Landscaping plays an impor- tant part in mak- ing your house a home. municipalities or developers have restrictions on which trees can be planted, so check before you plant. Weeping willows have their disadvan- tages for anyone with weeping tiles or wells." "Strategically placed trees, such as the honey locust, shade master or the red maple, will give you shade in summer and let the sun through in the winter," says Willaert. 5. Take into account the size the tree or shrub will be when fully grown. Large shade trees should not be planted too close to the house to avoid the root systems from interfering with your house's foundation or drains and the branches from possibly damag- ing the roof or windows. hedge (cedars, for example) to act as a wind- break. 4. Avoid plant- ing trees or shrubs close to any exterior air vents such as a dryer vent or a fireplace air intake vent. Also, if your home has a mechanical ventilation sys- tem, do not block the air intakes with any kind of shrubbery.