A well-placed tree is one of the cheapest pieces of energy efficiency you can install. Summer shade on the western wall. Winter sun through bare branches. A windbreak on the cold side. Done properly, the right tree can cut your power bill by a meaningful percentage.
The principles in one paragraph
Deciduous trees on the western and northern sides block summer heat and let winter sun in. Evergreen trees on the southern and western sides cut cold winds in winter. Shade the air-con unit and you reduce how hard it has to work.
Chinese Elm
Semi-deciduous. Western wall shade in summer, winter sun once the leaves drop. Plant 4 to 6m off the wall to allow for canopy spread.
Kurrajong
Native shade for hot inland sites. Thrives in strong western exposure and cools the air around it through evapotranspiration.
Coolwyn Gloss Magnolia
Evergreen windbreak. Plant on the southern or western boundary to cut cold winter winds. Dense year round foliage and low maintenance.
October Glory Maple
Deciduous shade tree for cooler climates. Crimson autumn show plus the textbook summer shade, winter sun pattern.
Manzanillo Olive
Evergreen Mediterranean tree for low-water year round shading in hot dry climates. Reduces radiant heat into the house.
Placement rules of thumb
Western wall: deciduous tree 4 to 6m off the wall to shade summer afternoon sun. Northern wall: deciduous tree 5 to 8m off the wall for high summer shade. Southern wall in cold climates: evergreen windbreak 5 to 10m off. Air-con unit: any evergreen on the sun-facing side to shade the compressor.
Pro placement tips
Place large trees a comfortable distance from the house so the mature canopy clears the eaves. Choose deciduous species on the equatorial side so winter sun comes through after leaf drop. Match species to the spot so vigorous roots stay clear of paving and services, and use regular pruning to keep canopies in shape.
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