Prune trees to allow more sunlight to reach the house

Trees are natural assets, but so is heat from the sun.
It may be necessary to remove or prune trees on the south, east, or west sides of the house to admit more sunlight. In cold climates, solar gain during the winter can be an important source of heat and light. A solar site assessment tool can be invaluable in identifying trees that should be removed or pruned. Removing trees very close to the house also reduces the risk of trapped moisture, mold and decay. However, removing all shade trees on east and west exposures can mean overheating in summer, so a thoughtful strategy is key.

Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia

Sun: Passive Heating and Daylighting
Landscape: Native Plants and Soil

Further resources

Conserving Energy with Landscaping
Passive Solar Home Design