Trees as windbreaks

To the real estate editor: You recently printed a question about saving energy in a house surrounded by open fields.

One of the best ways is by "tree conditioning" a house -- planting a grove of evergreen trees on the side of the property with the prevailing winter winds, which is an excellent windbreak, and deciduous trees or vines on the south, west , and east sides of the house for summer shade.

The winter sun can warm the house through the leafless branches.

The idea of "tree conditioning" is very old and very valid. However, the air-conditioned generaton forgot about it.

Also, the Home Energy Handbook, available through the County Extension Offices here in Iowa, is very valuable and free. Presumably, most state extension services have similar materials. Kay Klier Slater, Iowa