Additionally, planting a tree to shade your air conditioner will reduce the amount of energy it uses. Automobiles are a major source of pollutants that lead to the formation of the substance ozone, better known as smog. Trees can help reduce this problem. A United States Forest Service study on the effects of tree-shaded parking lots in Sacramento found that cars parked in the shady lot released fewer pollutants than those parked in lots without trees. Where there is not enough space for trees, vines can be used instead.
Vines can shade building walls to further reduce cooling energy costs.
Vines can be planted on over-head trellises to shade parking lots and city pavement. Like a tree, a vine on a trellis shades the pavement, reduces surrounding air temperature, and collects the pollution particles that would become contaminants if they reached the ground. The benefits of planting trees and vines are numerous. You can reduce air emissions and the greenhouse effect, decrease air temperature and lower your energy bill. Greening goes a long way in improving the health and environment of communities.