If you are planning some landscaping work this fall, you might be able to kill the proverbial two birds with one stone, making your yard more beautiful while improving the insulation of your home.That's right: Those shrubs and trees, if placed properly, can serve as insulation for your home. They can even pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling bills. The key is to plant the right foliage in the right places.Here is a brief guide on using landscaping as insulation in different parts of your yard.North of the HouseOklahoma truly is, "where the wind comes sweeping down the plain," and it has the winter wind chills to prove it. You can protect your home from the air's unwelcome cooling effects by planting a windbreak north of the house. You'll want the plants to be evergreen, so they have full foliage during the winter months. It is recommended that windbreaks be planted at a distance from the house equal to 2-5 times the height of the mature evergreens.West of the HouseFor the hot Oklahoma summers, you'll want to strategically plant shade trees to block the sun's heating rays. The most important location for doing so is to the west of the house, where the walls receive direct sunlight during the late afternoon heat. You'll want to use deciduous trees, though, so they will drop their leaves in the winter and allow the sun's warmth to cut down on your heating bills.South of the HouseDeciduous trees can also help on the south side of the house at midday, but these trees should be located closer to the house, and be tall enough to shade the south-facing roof.Near the Air ConditionerShading your outdoor air conditioning unit can improve its energy-efficiency. Just be certain that you don't plant too close to it, where thick foliage could impede air flow.At Air Assurance, we can help you save energy in many ways, from using landscaping as insulation to utilizing the ground itself to heat and cool your Tulsa-area home. Contact us today to learn how we can help you improve your home's energy efficiency -- and comfort.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.