And they don't have to be a lot of work. Very few landscapes, if any, have no care associated with them. Landscapes have their own ecosystems, wildlife and climate. Working with these factors as well as planting the appropriate trees and plants will cut down on the effort you put out, says Hart. The closer you can work with these systems rather than work in ignorance of them, the more low maintenance and energy conservation you'll get.
Buildings gain heat from the sun.
Through windows sunlight comes streaming in to warm the room. The walls and roof absorb solar radiation to add heat. The same thing happens in the winter, only with colder air. Planting trees on the south and west sides of your house maximizes the shade and wind-breaking that occurs. The most efficient trees to plant are those that naturally grow tall.