Saving energy in the winter with Mother Nature is called Screening or Windbreaks.

To do so use closely branched trees that grow in pyramidical or columnar form. They give height and body without excessive width. Planting would most likely be best on the north side of your house to block the cold winter winds. All in all, Evergreens would be best and you should contact a certified arborist to confirm what is best for your house.

Basically any building will benefit from the wind chill factor being reduced by a Windbreak. Well designed windbreaks reduce energy costs up to 40 percent. The type of structure your house is made of and the overall efficiency of your heating system are just a few factors that determine the total savings.

However, please realize that even if you save up to 40 percent, it is NOT a 40 percent savings off your total heating bill. The savings is 40 percent off the total amount of heat being lost by your house due to not having a Windbreak. For example, if it is costing you 7% more a year to heat your house because you do not have a Windbreak, then you will be saving 40% of the 7% heat lost when you do install a Windbreak.

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