Post frame buildings are sensible solutions for many functions from agricultural and equestrian to commercial and suburban structures. This building method saves time during construction while providing a long-lasting solution. Post frame buildings also offer significant savings in both construction and operations. Aside from the actual construction savings, smart landscaping around your post frame building can also help reduce your energy costs. 

Smart Landscaping Ideas for Reducing Your Energy Costs

Once your structure is up and running, the next step is to create an environment that helps to reduce operational costs. Here are some ideas to help you do this:

Landscaping to Shade

In warmer climates, strategically placing trees around the building can produce shade, thus reducing sunlight during summer. Deciduous shade trees like elms, ash, maple, and oak with higher crowns will block the burning sun in the summer yet allow the sunlight from the lower-situated sun in the winter. This effect will lower both cooling and heating costs, save money, and provide a more comfortable environment.

Landscaping Windbreaks

Wind can also be a significant problem in some areas. For example, in the flat sections of the Midwest, winds can quickly cause damage. Windbreaks created by a line of trees reduce the wind speed and chill. This results in reduced heating costs for your building.

Properly positioned bushes and shrubs also help to reduce the wind’s impact. Consider evergreens, pine, or even oak, but make sure the plantings are several feet from your post frame building.

Alternatively, a properly placed fence or retaining wall can perform the same energy-reducing function as trees.

Reducing Water Usage 

Watering your trees is necessary, especially in the beginning. Here are some tips to minimize water consumption while keeping your essential sun and wind barriers growing.

Group plants that require a similar amount of water to grow. Consider aerating the soil to help get the water to the roots where necessary. Plan to use mulch around the base to keep the water from evaporating.

Raise the lawnmower blade around the tree bases to keep the water from disappearing during warmer days and ensure you benefit most from the water used.

Early Morning Watering

Watering early increases the chances of the water making it deeper into the ground to the roots. As the sun rises, the day gets hotter, and the water has more chance to evaporate.

Check Out Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings, a long-time leader in post frame technology,  leads the way in design, component supply, and construction. For over 40 years, this family-owned business has solved the building challenges of people from Northern Indiana, Northeast Ohio, and Southwest Michigan.

Learn more about the many finished Pacemaker projects by visiting their Gallery of Results on their website. 

Plan a no-obligation personal conference with a professional at Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings. Visit their website and complete the simple questionnaire, and one of the Pacemaker experts will contact you promptly.

If you wish to speak directly to a professional, call Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings at 1-888-834-4448.