Protect Your House from the Arizona Sun With Nature's Solution: Trees

Protect Your Home from the Arizona Sun Utilizing Nature's Gift: Trees

If you already live in Arizona, then you likely know that as much as the sun bestows on us, it can also cause damage. Residents of the Midwest are also familiar with the damaging affects of weather, as they have to cope with salt damage that causes expensive problems such as rust on cars. In Arizona, the damage is a little different. Cars will have a faded roof and deteriorated interior. This applies to homes as well. The sun can and will spoil your roof and fade paint and interior furnishings. Although many people think that a window serves to lessen the damage caused by the sun, the truth is that carpets and other furnishings will become very damaged and faded by the sun with time.

A few remedies are suggested. Replacing glass with specialized glass that hinders harmful UV light is one step, as is painting UV-stabilized coating to preserve wooden doors, the patio, the roof, and other spaces. However, one of the better ideas is to fight fire with fire - or, rather, fight nature with nature. While many might go to the local hardware store to remedy the situation, a trip to the local nursery might be a better selection. At the very least, planting trees and shrubbery can be used together with the methods already mentioned.

Use Trees and Bushes to Block Sunlight

One issue concerning planting trees around your home is the expense. Full-grown trees are far more expensive than saplings, so if you want an instant solution, you are going to have to absorb the expense. In the meantime, using paint, putting up awning, and mounting protective glass are options until the trees achieve full height. It is best to put the trees on the southern part of the house to protect the house during the peak summer season.

Every home is different, so there is definitive rule about planting large, shady trees. Some homes will have no space for large trees. You must make sure that there is ample area for a tree's root system to grow in the location planned. Even putting a tree where there is no direct sunlight can help cool the house and protect the home from UV rays, so you should not just look for those areas that are in direct sunlight.

Learn About the Types of Arizona Trees

Arizona is dry, dry, dry. It is best suited for cactus life, which is not the best plant for making shade. Trees are going to need lots of water, so planting trees that are used to a rainy climate is not recommended. Leaf burn is also common with some trees, so it is important to plant trees suitable for the Arizona climate. Some of the excellent shade trees for Arizona homes are: Cottonwood, Palo Verde varieties, Fan Tex Ash, Chilean Mesquite and Chinese Pistache.

Save on Your Power Bill and Overall Energy Consumption

It is not unusual in Arizona for the temperature to reach ninety degrees in shady spots. Even with this situation, trees and shrubs that generate shade will still cool down your home. A shaded home will lead to less energy costs. You can also enjoy your yard more if you have nice, tall shade trees that offer a break from the sun. Putting shade trees around your home will not only add to your enjoyment of your home, but will also add value to your property as well.