{"id":21247,"date":"2018-07-15T07:00:13","date_gmt":"2018-07-15T11:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org\/allin\/?p=21247"},"modified":"2018-07-10T14:20:37","modified_gmt":"2018-07-10T18:20:37","slug":"shade-trees-can-cut-the-heat-and-your-electric-bill-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org\/allin\/2018\/07\/15\/shade-trees-can-cut-the-heat-and-your-electric-bill-too\/","title":{"rendered":"Shade trees can cut the heat, and your electric bill, too"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A burly shade tree in Cornish, NH. Photo: Putneypics<\/a>, Creative Commons, some rights reserved<\/p><\/div>\n

Sometimes it\u2019s good to have a few burly associates for protection, because when the heat\u2019s on and you need to lie low for a while, you can always turn to those shady characters for relief. You know the ones I mean – those big guys with solid builds that no one pushes around. Yeah, the trees. They\u2019re cool.<\/p>\n

On a scorching bright day, any shade is welcome. If you\u2019re lucky enough to have mature trees around, not only can you get a break from the sun, but the air temperature will be degrees cooler than out in the open; natural air conditioning.<\/p>\n

Speaking of which, if you use an air conditioner, having shade trees on the south and west sides of your home will reduce your cooling costs by a minimum of thirty, and possibly as much as fifty, percent. It\u2019s like getting Hydro rebate. Deciduous trees are ideal because they shield you in summer but allow sunlight through in winter.<\/p>\n

Caring for shade trees<\/h3>\n
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In extreme heat, most photosynthesis occurs in partly-shaded leaves, so don’t prune the inner canopy too aggressively. Photo: Harold China, U.S. Air Force<\/p><\/div>\n

On those blistering summer days when you think it\u2019s too hot to work outside, you\u2019re not alone; trees share your outlook. Photosynthesis, that remarkable process that turns carbon dioxide and sunlight into sugar (thereby keeping the trees alive) and oxygen (thereby helping keep us alive),\u00a0 does not work well above 86 degrees F. (30 degrees Celsius). All that solar energy going to waste!<\/p>\n

This is why a tree\u2019s inner canopy is essential. Far from being unlucky residents of a less-desirable neighborhood, leaves shaded by upper branches are key players in a tree\u2019s survival, as they\u2019re the only ones on the job when it\u2019s too hot for their upstairs neighbors to work. So it\u2019s best not to get overly enthusiastic with pruning. Trees don\u2019t want their inner canopy \u201ccleaned out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hopefully you\u2019re drinking plenty of water in the summer heat. It might surprise you that trees can run short of water. While we tend to think tree roots dive deep in search of a cool drink, 90% of tree roots are in the top 25 cm. of soil, and 98% are in the top 46 centimetres.<\/p>\n

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White birch are especially prone to water stress. Photo: Wonderlane<\/a>, Creative Commons, some rights reserved<\/p><\/div>\n

Species such as birch, ironwood and hemlock are especially prone to water stress, but others are renowned for their drought-tolerance. Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa<\/em>) is a stately, long-lived (800+ years) native tree which oddly enough tolerates intermittent flooding as well. Black maple (Acer nigrum<\/em>) is very similar to sugar maple, but with slightly fuzzy leaves that are better at conserving water. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis<\/em>) is another native tree that can withstand prolonged water shortages. However, even these tough species have their limits.<\/p>\n

Lawns recover from severe water shortage in a matter of weeks. Trees, however, take years. Drought stress weakens a tree, making it more vulnerable to diseases and insects. While many shady characters don\u2019t take well to a good soaking, your tree will appreciate a thorough weekly drench. Actually, its survival may depend on it.<\/p>\n

Wishing a healthy, hydrated summer on the shady side of town for you and your associates.<\/p>\n

Paul Hetzler is a horticulture and natural resources educator with\u00a0Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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