Planting to help conserve water, energy

  • Published
  • By Matt Latham
  • Installation Energy Manager, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Did you know that according to NASA's investigation of satellite images, the U.S. grows enough residential grass to cover the entire state of New York? That's 53,000 square miles of grass.

The water required to keep this grass alive is astronomical. The Energy Information Administration estimates the world will increase energy use by more than 30 percent over the next 20 years. Planting grass, shrubs and trees native to the area can reduce water and energy usage year round.

Aesthetic appeal of grass and a lush flowing lawn can be worth hundreds of dollars a year. Many wish for a lush lawn, but are unwilling to pay for fertilization and aerating services every year. A onetime investment in Centipede or Bermuda grass, species native to North Carolina, could dissipate the expense associated with maintaining a lawn. Both are draught tolerant grasses and can withstand North Carolina summer temperatures.

Creeping grasses, such as Bermuda and Centipede mend and repair bare patches in soil. They remain dormant in colder seasons, and are a perfect match for cold tolerant grasses such as fescue. Hardware stores or lawn care providers can offer help establishing one of these blends. Costs and water saved will be well worth the visit.

Shrubs, a wonderful landscaping tool, help form the overall look of a yard and act as barriers against wind. For full/partial sun areas of the yard, look for small shrubs like: Sweetfern, New Jersey Tea, Carolina Rose and Blueberry. Planting these on the southern side of a house is a great barrier, and costs less than yearly upkeep of mulch or pinestraw. Larger shrubs include: Honeysuckle Bush, Spicebush, Pinkshell Azalea and Red or Black Chokeberry. Ask for proper placement advice upon purchase.

Trees are another option to help reduce heating and cooling costs for the home by providing shade to a yard and blocking the wind. Planting Evergreen trees along the edge of a yard creates a natural, easy to maintain wind barrier, reducing heating costs during the winter.

Seymour Johnson is committed to reducing energy consumption in compliance with Executive Order 13423 Energy and Water Reduction Requirements. In accordance with the EO, the base has to reduce energy intensity by three percent annually and/or 30 percent by 2015. Also, a two percent annual and/or 16 percent reduction in water use is required.