They also can absorb carbon dioxide and other gases while producing oxygen for us to breathe. Trees and other plants reduce the greenhouse effect by shading houses and office buildings. This benefit reduces air conditioning needs up to 30 percent because less electricity is required for cooling. Properly placed trees within the landscape can be as effective as other home improvements in reducing heating and cooling costs. Good selection and placement of trees within the landscape can help cool your house in summer and allow sun's rays to warm your house in winter.
Trees can add to the value of property, as well.
Well-landscaped property is more desirable than property that is not landscaped, so healthy trees and other plants can increase residential property values up to 15 percent. To install properly an energy conserving landscape, you must understand the different positions of the sun at various times of the year. Notice that the sun rises in the southeast and remains low in the sky during the day. The winter sun sets in the southwest. The sun rises in the northeast and appears higher overhead at midday.