One or two rows of evergreen trees on the north and west sides reduce wind velocity and heat loss from the house. Properly placed trees and shrubs shield your home from cold winds, reducing heat loss by 10 to 30 percent.

Deciduous trees planted appropriately along the south side allow the winter sun's rays to warm buildings. (During winter, branches can stop up to 60 percent of the sun's rays. Solar heating through unshaded south walls during the winter months far offsets summer cooling costs.)