Energy-Wise Landscape Design: A New Approach for Your Home and Garden

306 Pages·2010·100.58 MB·English

by  Sue Reed

Advance Praise for
ENERGy-WISE
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Sue Reed has compiled an extremely useful and readable book on ways in which we can design
and manage landscapes with the goal of conserving - and even producing - energy. I have not
seen another book which brings together so many useful concepts and practical information.
This comprehensive book, written in a direct, non~jargonistic manner, will be of tremendous
value to everyone from individual homeowners to students of environmental design.
-DARREL MORRISON, Professor and Dean Emeritus,
School of Environmental Design, University of Georgia and Adjunct Professor,
Master of Science in Landscape Design Program, Columbia University
Plants matter, and no one has articulated their role in conserving energy in our landscapes bet~
ter than Susan Reed. Energy~wise Landscape Design is a comprehensive yet unusually readable
review of the whys and wherefores of designing ecologically responsible landscapes. If you are
looking for easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint while helping to sustain the ecosystems that
sustain you, read this book.
- DOUG TALLAMY, author of Bringing Nature Home
This long overdue book is well organized, well written and well illustrated, a fine cohesive work
that deserves focused reading. It will be a must~read for all design students, and a reach~for book
for landscape professionals who wish to fill some of the gaps in their own education and design work.
-WALTER CUDNOHUFSKY, Landscape Architect, and Founder,
Conway School of Landscape Design
Energy~ Wise Landscape Design integrates specific design solutions directed toward energy conser~
vation with sustaining the natural environment. Too many books about energy~efficient
landscapes ignore the energy values of nature itself and propose clearing trees or whole forests to
open vistas for solar and wind power. Sue Reed's step~by~step suggestions make change towards
sustainable landscaping doable, instead of difficult and unfamiliar.
- LESLIE JONES SAUER, author of The Once and Future Forest
Advance Praise continued
Sue Reed's book amounts to a conversation with the author who gently but inevitably convinces
us to integrate thoughts about energy into all our concepts of action and beauty. She brilliantly
focuses on the what and why of designing landscapes for the needs of users in the 21st century.
This is a must read for those who want guidance for the landscapes of their existing properties
or are about to build a new home. Her poetic conclusive paragraphs should be required reading
for all, and especially for landscape architects and designers.
-DON WALKER, Landscape Architect and retired Director,
Conway School of Landscape Design
Sue Reed has done something wonderful in this ambitious first book - in friendly, plain lan~
guage she has leaped over the mundane of the "how to" genre to infuse the reader with real
awareness and understanding of basic principles of natural process and about the benefits
and methods of gently milking nature for its goodness.
-BRAD JOHNSON, Landscape Architect,
Brad Johnson + Associates (BradJohnson.ca)
This is no vapid coffee~table garden book to be merely flipped through and set aside. Nor is it a
depressing diatribe about inevitable environmental decline and culpability. Energy~wise Landscape
Design is filled with practical, specific design advice that will inspire you to get up and get work~
ing to make a better home landscape for yourself and the planet.
- PAUL CAWOOD HELLMUND, ASLA, President/Director,
Conway School of Landscape Design, Graduate Program in Sustainable Landscape
Planning & Design, and co~author / editor of Designing Greenways and Ecology of Greenways
Iflike most people, you've just thought about saving energy in terms of what goes on inside your
home, you're in for a big and pleasant surprise, as Sue Reed guides you to understand how mak~
ing your property more beautiful with landscaping, done properly, can also generate considerable
savings in your annual energy bills while making your home more comfortable. A big three~for~
one benefit!
- JERRY YUDELSON, author of Choosing Green: The Homebuyers Guide to Good Green Homes
A New Approach for your
Home and Garden
SUE REED
Illustrations by I ate Dana
NEW SOCIETY PUBLISHERS
Cataloging in Publication Data:
A catalog record for this publication is available from the National Library of Canada.
Copyright © 2010 by Sue Reed.
All rights reserved.
Cover design by Diane McIntosh.
Inside: Photography by Sue Reed, except where noted; Illustrations by Kate Dana, except where noted.
Printed in Canada by Friesens.
First printing January 2010.
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-86571-653-7
Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of Energy-wise Landscape Design should be addressed to
New Society Publishers at the address below.
To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America)
1-800-567 -6772, or order online at www.newsociety.com
Any other inquiries can be directed by mail to:
New Society Publishers
P.O. Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC VOR 1XO, Canada
[phone]
New Society Publishers' mission is to publish books that contribute in fundamental ways to building an eco
logically sustainable and just society, and to do so with the least possible impact on the environment, in a manner
that models this vision. We are committed to doing this not just through education, but through action. This
book is one step toward ending global deforestation and climate change. It is printed on Forest Stewardship
Council-certified acid-free paper that is 100% post-consumer recycled (100% old growth forest-free), processed
chlorine free, and printed with vegetable-based, low-VOC inks, with covers produced using FSC-certified stock.
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NEW SOCIETY PUBLISHERS 01996 _IS_ _h lp Co ...e ll
Contents
Ackn owl edgme nt s +.... ix
+ + ...... + .............. ++ .... + + + .... + .............. ++ ...... + + ...... + .............. ++ .... + + + .... + .............. ++ ...... + + ...... + .............. ++ .... + + + .... + .............. ++ ...... + + ...... + .............. ++ .... + + + ....
Int ro du cti n .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................. 1
0
Section I: Arranging the Landscape to Help Cool a House in Summer ..................................... 5
CHAPTER 1: THE S UN AND THE W IND 7
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CHAPTER 2: SHAD IN G THE HOUSE 21
++.++ •• +++++++++++++++++++++++++.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ •• ++++ ••
ACTION: Provide Shade During Early Morning and Late Afternoon .............................. 23
ACTION: Shade the House During Mid~afternoon and Mid~morning ............................. 26
ACTION: Shade South~facing Windows and Walls .............................................................. 30
CHAPTER 3: COOLING THE AIR AROUND THE HOUSE ...................................................... 35
ACTION: Add Trees and Many Other Plants to Your Landscape ...................................... 37
AC Tr0 N: Capture Breezes 38
+ +++.+ +++ +++++ +++++ +++++++ +++++ +++++ +++ ++ +++ +++++ +++++ +++++++ +++++ +++++ +++ ++ +++ +++++ +++++ +++++++ +++++ ++++
CHAPTER 4: COOLING THE GROUND NEAR THE HOUSE .................................................. 43
ACTION: Shade the Ground with Living Plants ................................................................... 44
ACTION: Cover Bare Ground with Mulch 46
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACTION: Minimize the Extent of Mown Lawn 46
HUU++UU .. ++.++ ........... ++ ............... ++++.++ ........... ++.
ACTION: Minimize Hard Surfaces, Especially Near the House ........................................ 48
ACTION: Use lIeaal Pavement" On Driveways 49
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
v
I
VI ENERGY-WISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Section II: Arranging the Landscape to Help Warm a House in Winter .................................. .53
CHAPTER 5: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SUN'S HEAT ..................................................... 55
ACTION: Allow Maximum Sunlight to Reach the House at Midday ................................. .57
ACTION: Make the Most of Morning and Afternoon Sunlight. ........................................... 60
CHAPTER 6: REDUCING THE CHILLING EFFECT OF WINTER WIND .............................. 63
ACTION: Plant a Windbreak ...................................................................................................... 64
ACTION: Plant a Buffer near the House ................................................................................... 68
ACTION: Position Structures to Deflect Wind ....................................................................... 70
Section III: Designing the Realm of Plants ....................................................................................... 73
CHAPTER 7: CREATING HEALTHY WORKING ECOSYSTEMS .............................................. 75
ACTION: Use Regionally Native Plants .................................................................................... 77
ACTION: Select Plants That Contribute to the Work of Nature ......................................... 82
ACTION: Match Plants to Soil Conditions .............................................................................. 83
ACTION: Add Nothing; Just Remove Unwanted Plants ........................................................ 87
CHAPTER 8: REDUCING (OR ELIMINATING) LAWN ................................................................ 89
ACTION: Stop Mowing Some of the Lawn .............................................................................. 91
ACTION: Replace Some Amount of Existing Lawn with Other Elements ......................... 93
ACTION: Design a Lawn .... free Landscape ................................................................................. 96
CHAPTER 9: U SING WATER EFFICIENTLY .................................................................................. 99
ACTION: Design Gardens for Least Water Demand ............................................................ 100
ACTION: Manage Runoff with Topography .......................................................................... 103
ACTION: Collect Rainwater ...................................................................................................... 10 6
Section IV: Designing the Whole Property .................................................................................... 111
CHAPTER 10: FITTING THE LANDSCAPE TO THE LAND .................................................... 113
ACTION: Revise Your Ideas to Fit the Terrain ....................................................................... 115
ACTION: Use the Gentlest Terrain for Things That Need It .............................................. 116
ACTION: Use Steeper Slopes for Things That Don't Need Level Land ............................ 117
CHAPTER 11: DESIGNING THE CAR ZONE ............................................................................. 119
ACTION: Put the Driveway in the Right Place ...................................................................... 120
ACTION: Design the Car Zone Big Enough, but Not Too Big ........................................... 124
ACTIO N: Choose Suitable Paving MateriaL ........................................................................... 127
I
Contents vii
CHAPTER 12: MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY ELEMENT ................................................... 131
ACTION: Design for Function As Well As Appearance ....................................................... 131
ACTr 0 N: Design for Multipurpose 134
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACTr 0 N : Use Materials Efficiently 136
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CHAPTER 13: SITUATING NEW HOMES WITH ENERGY IN MIND ................................ 139
ACTION: Position the House for Maximum Solar Gain ..................................................... 140
ACTION: Situate Buildings in Accord with the Wind .......................................................... 142
ACTr 0 N: Plan First, Cut Later 143
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACTION: Buy the Right Land for Your Needs ....................................................................... 144
Section V: Construction and Care 147
++++ +++++ ++++++++ +++++ +++++ ++++++++++++ +++++ ++++++++ +++++ +++++ ++++++++++++ +++++ ++++++++ +++++ ++++++++
CHAPTER 14: INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING PLANTED AREAS ................................. 149
ACTION: Limit Importing Topsoil from Ofrsite .................................................................. 149
ACTION: Amend Soil Only When Necessary, and with a Light Touch ............................ 152
ACTION: Plant Trees and Shrubs Properly ............................................................................ 158
ACTION: Mulch Bare Garden Soil ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 16 3
ACTION: Plant Wildflower Meadows So They Thrive ........................................................ 165
ACTION: Create Healthy Low ... maintenance Lawns +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++170
0
A CTr N: Water Wisely +++++++++++++ +++++ ++++++++++++ +++++ +++++++++++++ +++++ ++++++++++++ +++++ +++++++++++++ +++++ ++++++++++++ +++++ ++++ 173
ACT I 0
N: Acquire Plants Appropriately ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 176
CHAPTER 15: BUILDING STRUCTURES IN THE LANDSCAPE ............................................. 179
ACTION: Lay Patios and Paths to Be Durable ....................................................................... 179
ACTION: Build Stone Walls so They Hold Up Well ............................................................ 184
ACTION: Build Wood Structures for Long Life .................................................................... 186
ACTION: Use Alternative, Renewable Materials ................................................................... 192
CHAPTER 16: CONSTRUCTING NEW HOMESITES ................................................................ 197
ACTION: Protect the Site Before and During Construction ............................................... 197
ACTION: Use Energy-efficient Construction Techniques ................................................... 202
ACTION: Consider Building an Earth-sheltered Home ....................................................... 205
ACTION: Heal the Site after Construction ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++209
Section VI: Generating Energy in Your Landscape ....................................................................... 211
VIII ENERGY-WISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
CHAPTER 17: MAKING ELECTRICITY FROM SUNLIGHT ..................................................... 217
What's Inv alved? ... 218
+ +++ .... +++++ +++++.+ .++ .. +. ++ +++ +++++.+ +++ .... +++++ +++++.+ .. ++ .. +. ++ +++ +++++.+ +++ .... +++++ +++ ++.+ .. ++ .. +. ++ +++ +++++ ... +++ ... +++++ +++ ++
What's Req ui red2 ................................................ 219
++ .... ++ ........ + ................................................ ++ .... ++ ...... + .......................... + ...................... ++ .... ++ ................................ + ........ + ..
CHAPTER 18: GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM THE WIND .......................................... .223
Wh at's Inv ol ved ........ 224
++ ...... ++ .................... +++ .... ++ ................... ++ ...... ++ .................... +++ .... ++ ................... ++ ...... ++ ............ ++ .... +++ .... ++ ................... ++ ...... ++ ............ ++ ....
What's Re quire d ...................... 225
+ + ...... + + ............ ++ .... +o. + ........................................................ ++ .... ++ + ...... + ................................................ +o. .... +o. ...... + ............................
CHAPTER 19: HARNESSING THE ENERGY OF FLOWING WATER .................................... 229
What's Inv olv ed2 ............................................................................................................................ 230
Whar 's Re quire d:> .......................................................................................................................... 230
CHAPTER 20: CAPTURING THE WARMTH OF THE GROUND ........................................... 235
What's Involved2 ............................................................................................................................ 235
What's Required:> .......................................................................................................................... 236
Section VII: Lights in the Landscape ............................................................................................... 239
CHAPTER 21: LIGHTING WITH ENERGY IN MIND ............................................................... 241
ACTION: Use the Right Energy Source for the Job ............................................................. .241
ACTION: Arrange Electrical Circuits to Allow Maximum Control .................................. .243
ACTION: Install Various Kinds of Controls ........................................................................... 244
ACTION: Use the Most Appropriate Light Bulb ................................................................... 246
ACTION: Point Light Downward, Not at the Sky ................................................................ 250
ACTION: Clean and Maintain Light Fixtures ........................................................................ 252
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 25 3
Appendix A: Details and Calculations ............................................................................................. 257
Appendix B: Plant Lists ...................................................................................................................... 265
Appendix C: Resources ....................................................................................................................... 27 3
Endnotes ................................................................................................................................................. 277
Bib liograp hy ........................................................................................................................................... 281
Index ........................................................................................................................................................ 285
About the Author ................................................................................................................................. 293