The energy-conserving landscape strategies you use should depend on which region you live in.

 

Temperate region

 

Maximize warming effects of the sun in the winter.

Maximize shade during the summer.

Deflect winter winds away from buildings.

Funnel summer breezes toward the home.

 

Hot-arid region

 

Provide shade to cool roofs, walls, and windows.

Allow summer winds to access naturally cooled homes.

Block or deflect winds away from air-conditioned homes.

 

Hot-humid region

 

Channel summer breezes toward the home.

Maximize summer shade with trees that still allow penetration of low-angle winter sun.

Avoid locating planting beds close to the home if they require frequent watering.

 

Cool region

 

Use dense windbreaks to protect the home from cold winter winds.

Allow the winter sun to reach south-facing windows.

shade south and west windows and walls from the direct summer sun, if summer overheating is a problem.

 

It's also important to consider your home's microclimate in your landscaping strategy.