So many of my clients are surprised that the little sapling they planted is now a huge tree. It's important when you plan your garden and start planting trees to understand how big they will grow and to keep them maintained in a way that supports how you use your garden. Arborists can help your tree grow in the shape and direction that you want so that the garden is perfect for your family. My blog has tips for the home owner on keeping your tree healthy and, of course, tips on when to use an arborist to get the perfect result.
Autumn is a great time to install solar panels on your home. There is still plenty of sunshine around to be captured by the panels, and the sooner you install them, the faster you can lower your energy costs. Since these always rise in the winter as your family fights to keep warm, lower energy costs will be truly welcome. As someone who is environmentally conscious, you may have concerns about cutting down trees around your home so they don't put too much shade on your panels. Do they need to be cut down though? Consider these thoughts before you call the local tree service.
How Trees Affect Solar Panels
Solar panels need direct access to sunlight to harness the sun's rays and turn them into energy for your home. Tall trees shade the solar panels at certain times of the day when the tree stands between the panel and the sun. While the tree shade does not completely stop the solar panel from collecting sun rays, it does prevent the panels from working at maximum capacity.
The shade that comes from tall trees is not the only problem when it comes vegetation and the environment. Loose, dead branches fly freely during strong storms with wind. When a large tree branch lands on a solar panel at speed, there is a strong likelihood of the panel cracking and needing replacement.
Tree Options Before Solar Panel Installation
Now you know how trees impact on solar panels, you need to consider your options for the trees close to your home before the solar panel installation takes place. At this time, you have two main choices:
Full removal of trees should be considered a last-resort option since trees are necessary to remove carbon dioxide in the air. However, if the tree is not in a healthy state, removal of the tree will prevent it doing major damage during a storm. Hiring a tree service to trim the trees instead is a much more environmentally-friendly choice. You can arrange for the trees to be trimmed until their height is lower than your roof line. By trimming down to this level, the tree no longer will shade over the solar panels.
Before your solar panel installer comes out, arrange for your trees to be trimmed or removed as necessary. Additionally, arranging for regular tree service now means your trees won't be a bother to your solar panels in the years ahead.
Share28 April 2017
