A well-designed landscape can significantly cut energy costs by protecting a home from wind and sun. Elements like trees, shrubs, and other plants can provide shade and wind protection to reduce cooling and heating needs. Strategically placed trees and other landscape features can create beneficial microclimates around a home to conserve resources like water and minimize pollution. Landscape design principles including shading, windbreaks, water conservation, and use of arbors and permeable groundcovers can all contribute to an energy efficient landscape that requires fewer inputs to maintain.