Summer in Central Florida can feel like you’re on the surface of the sun from the heat, yet like you’re underwater from the humidity. Whether your AC feels like it’s struggling to combat the over-100 degree heat indexes or you simply want to reduce your energy consumption where possible, there may just be a more natural solution for you — plants! Improving shade from your exterior landscaping with trees and vines can help reduce interior heat. Indoor plants have some surprising cooling benefits, as well! Tropical Florida plants can liven up your view and have you feeling made-in-the-shade year-round. Keep reading to learn how trees can help cool your home, which vines to choose and how even indoor plants can help.
How Trees Can Help Cool Your Home
The right trees can both make your landscaping look refreshing and provide a wonderful canopy of shade for your home and lawn. Not only do trees cool your house by blocking the sun’s harsh rays from reaching your roof and exteriors, but they can also keep surrounding air cool through the process of evapotranspiration. Maximize the effectiveness of your trees by planting them on the east and west sides of your home. This way, your house will stay cool even as the sun moves throughout the day.
When planting trees, it’s also important to plant them in the right location when it comes to the ground. Be sure to avoid planting trees in areas where roots could grow and cause damage to your home’s foundation, septic system or water lines. Maintain necessary airflow by planting trees and shrubs a few feet away from naturally cool spaces like ponds, lakes or wooded areas.
Don’t forget to choose the right trees for Florida’s climate, too! If your goal is to keep your house cool and shaded year-round it’s best to avoid planting deciduous trees that shed leaves when temperatures begin to drop.
Good Vines for Florida Homes
Another option besides trees for keeping your home cool is to grow vine plants. There are many beautiful Florida vines to choose from that can make your garden pop while bringing some much-needed shade. Benefits of growing vines on a fence or trellis are their fast-growing nature and ability to take up much less space compared to towering trees.
The Garden Lover’s Club list these 15 types of vines that thrive in Florida:
- Allamanda vine
- Bleeding heart vine
- Bougainvillea
- Carolina jasmine
- Chinese hat plant (holmskioldia sanguinea)
- Confederate jasmine (trachelospermum jasminoides)
- Coral honeysuckle
- Florida flame vine
- Mandevilla vine
- Pandora vine
- Passion vine (passiflora spp.)
- Petra vine
- Thunbergia grandiflora (sky vine)
- Quisqualis indica (rangoon creeper)
- Perennial morning glory
Indoor Plants Can Help, Too
When we think about plants, we naturally first think of them growing outdoors. But did you know that indoor plants can keep your house cool, too? The concept of “plant air conditioning” can keep inside temperatures low and improve your overall air quality! As plants go through their natural processes of absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, temperatures decrease and the overall air quality improves. While you may consider humidity the bane of your existence in the summer, some humidity is required inside to keep the air sufficiently cool. Indoor plants work to balance humidity levels appropriately during their natural process of releasing cool moisture into the air. Additional benefits include reduced energy costs, improved emotional positivity and aesthetically pleasing interior decor.
Consider incorporating these indoor plants into your home environment:
- Areca palm
- Aloe vera
- Anthurium
- Devil’s ivy (a.k.a. golden pothos, silver vine, and money plant)
- Peace lily
- Snake plant (a.k.a. mother-in-law’s tongue)
- Spider plant
- Syngoniums
Beat the Heat with Expert Lawn Care and Landscaping
Are you ready to cool down your house with the right trees and landscaping? Or, are you simply tired of doing your own yard work in the Florida heat? Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing has your back! We’re the experts when it comes to Central Florida plants and lawns, and our trained crew members can transform any lawn with top-notch landscape design services. Beat the heat and live your best life in the shade! Contact us today to schedule your next lawn care or landscaping appointment.
