When I’m in the field visiting customers during blazing hot sunny days, I seek out a shady spot under a tree, says Rich Mowry, President of T & T Tree Service. 
Trees act as natural air conditioners. No SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, but they are very cost effective.
A mature shade tree can block up to 90 percent of solar radiation, which could translate to a significant reduction in your home cooling cost. A Pennsylvania study found that air conditioning needs could be reduced by up to 75 percent by shading a house with trees!
Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of as few as three shade trees along the south and west will save an average household $100 to $250 in energy costs each year – and that study was done before energy costs soared!
Reduce energy use
On hot days, some large trees can pull hundreds of gallons of water through their leaves. This water evaporates, keeping the tree and its immediate surroundings cool. With the less-than-efficient use of fossil fuels for heating and cooling our buildings, it only makes good sense to take advantage of the following principles.
“Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of a building. Those are the sides where the sun’s rays are most intense. Since deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, they offer shade during summer but permit the winter sun to provide warmth,” say Rich Mowry, a member of TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association). Tree selection is key.
Deciduous trees with high, spreading canopies should be planted to the south of your home to provide maximum summertime shading. Always research a tree to determine its height and width at maturity and plant if far enough from the house to avoid overhanging or crowding. Always look for trees that are “native” to the Eastern US. Red Maples or American Sycamores are good choices.
Trees with branches lower to the ground are more appropriate to the west, where shade is needed from lower afternoon sun angles. Trees should not be planted on the southern sides of homes in cold climates because the branches of these trees will block some winter sun. Suggestions here: Zelkova or River Birch.
“Although a slow-growing tree may require more years of growth before it shades your roof, it will generally live longer than a fast-growing tree,” notes Mowry. Also, because slow-growing trees often have deeper roots and stronger branches, they are less prone to failure during windstorms or heavy snowstorms. Slow-growing trees are more drought resistant than fast-growing trees.
Enhance property values
Beyond energy savings and beauty, homeowners who take care of their trees find the value of their properties increase. Several studies have shown that real estate agents and home buyers assign between 10 and 23% of the value of a residence to the trees on the property.
What can you do?
A professional arborist can assess your landscape, provide information regarding the value potential of your trees and work with you to determine the best trees and shrubs to plant for your existing landscape.
