In the summer, they block the sun with their leafy limbs. During the winter, they allow the sun to shine through their bare branches, providing warming sunlight. Deciduous trees are best planted on the southern and western sides of your home. In the winter, evergreen shrubs planted on the north and west sides of your home can help block winter winds. Vines are another way to make your landscaping work for you.
Vines provide quick-growing shade.
Deciduous vines can be trained to grow up a trellis to cool your home in the summer. They can be trimmed during the winter to let in extra sunlight. Avoid planting evergreen shade trees where you will want the warmth of the sun to shine in the winter.