Conservation Plantings
SHADE Means Energy Conservation
A well placed deciduous tree can provide shade in the heat of the summer when air conditions are
going, but allow full advantage of the sun's energy on those bright winter days.
WINDBREAKS for Conservation
Windbreaks can protect your property from winter winds that steal your energy heating dollars, control
drifting snow, protect outside work areas and livestock and also provide food, cover and nesting habitat for wildlife.
EROSION CONTROL for Soil Conservation
Keep your soil from washing away! Plantings for bare soil areas, slopes and banks keep soil in its
place. Plantings along creeks and streams should utilize a minimum 5-10' buffer zone. Stream corridor plantings will help
reduce erosion, filter out pollutants, and improve habitat.
GROUNDWATER Recharge and Protection
Groundwater is the major resource for drinking water in Illinois. Aquifer recharge is critical for
replenishing groundwater. Impervious surfaces such as roads and roofs not only increase water runoff, but also impede water's
ability to percolate down through the soil to recharge aquifers.
WILDLIFE Benefits
Planting a variety of evergreen, deciduous, and herbaceous plant specides can provide food, cover
and nesting habitat for wildlife. Varying your plant species can increase the diversity of birds species on your property.
