The first thing that comes to mind when picking a lot for your dream home should be, which lot is going to save me money.  Can a lot actually save money?  Yes, with the help of solar landscaping.  Good landscaping practices offer one of the most practical methods of reducing energy consumption in homes. When done effectively, it can also increase real estate value and enhance the attractiveness of homes and communities.

Trees can significantly reduce summer temperatures.  Shading the roof of a house from the afternoon sun by using large trees can reduce temperatures inside the home by as much as 8 to 10 degrees.  If a home can be situated to take advantage of shade from existing trees on the southeast and west exposures, energy expended to cool the house can be reduced. Deciduous trees provide summer shade, and then drop their leaves in the fall.  This allows the warmth of the sun to filter through their bare branches in the winter and helps warm the home.  If there are no existing trees on a home site, tree selection and planting is still a good idea.  The temptation is to plant the fastest growing species available.  However, this is usually a poor choice for several reasons.  Trees that grow at more moderate rates usually live longer are less likely to break in wind and ice storms, and are often more resistant to insects and diseases.

Windbreaks obstruct and redirect the flow of wind.  As wind strikes an obstruction, it can move over, around or through it.  The extent of protection on the leeward side is related to the height and length of the windbreak.  Impenetrable windbreaks create a strong vacuum on the protected or leeward side, which reduces the protection.

In addition to traditional windbreaks, shrubs can also be used closer to the home for winter protection.  This is more practical for small areas and subdivision lots where space does not allow the use of conventional windbreaks.  For this type of protection, a combination of dense evergreen plants and groundcovers are most appropriate.  They should be planted close enough to eventually form a solid wall as far enough away from the house (about 4 to 5 feet, minimum) to create a dead air space.  The relatively still or dead air has much less cooling power than moving air, which can decrease the loss of heat through the walls.