This causes less stress and encourages deep root growth. Soil Berms, small manmade mounds of earth, can block sun, obstruct winds, insulate, and control noise. Mounding soil against a wall can provide insulation, however, the soil must be well-drained. Mounding must be avoided if it will allow termites or carpenter ants to enter the building. Sandy soil drains too quickly and doesn't provide much in the way of nutrients.
Water tends to run off of clay soil.
Color Paved blacktop can raise temperatures 20 degrees F over adjacent grassed areas. House color also influences temperatures. White roofs keep houses cooler in summer. Be sure to consider all of the factors involved in your planning process so that your outcome will be more successful. By adopting and advocating beneficial landscaping, wildlife isn't the only benefactor.