Spring in San Bernardino County will kick off in a big way as the world will watch our residents and home builders engaged in a historic moment this Sunday on ABC - TV's 8 p.m., March 29, special two - hour broadcast of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. This is the program in which hundreds of County residents and homebuilding professionals pulled together to build a new home/learning center/wildlife sanctuary in six days for Phelan's the Almquist family and their Forever Wild wildlife sanctuary.

More importantly, for new home buyers and homeowners, whether you have just moved into a San Bernardino County new home or looking to enhance the 'curb appeal' of your existing home, spring is a great time to think about landscaping.

The right landscaping can beautify, insulate and protect your new home. In addition, the right landscape improvements can reduce your energy and water costs over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can reduce energy bills by $100 to $250 annually with smartly designed landscaping. Here in Southern California, we can save even more by replacing traditional lawns with water - saving 'desertscapes'.

So if you're looking to add to your existing landscaping, probably the best place to start is to consult your local nursery or home and garden center for suggestions on the best types of trees and shrubs that will thrive where you live. Look for a reputable one in your neighborhood because many communities encourage the planting of certain types of native species, so they will usually be very knowledgeable on the subject.

Also, check with your local water district. They often offer water - effective landscaping guidance for their customers. Call your local water provider or visit their website and see all they have to offer.

In addition to beautifying your home, the right landscaping can insulate and protect your new home from the elements. For instance, planting deciduous trees (ones that lose their leaves during the winter) in front of windows that receive significant amounts of sunlight helps block solar heat in the summer and lets it in during the winter when you need it most. Depending on the species, a six -foot to eight -foot deciduous tree will begin shading your windows the first year and your roof within five to 10 years.

Likewise, cooling other public areas such as patios will also help. Hedges, trellises or large bushes and shrubs offer appealing sights and significant amounts of shade to help cool these areas. Implementing some techniques of 'xeriscape' which consists of largely using natural precipitation to meet your landscape's watering needs, will reduce your water usage. Keep flowers and vegetation with similar water needs in the same beds or close to each other. Using plants that are drought tolerant will provide variety to your landscape.

Remember when planting trees and shrubs to be careful about their proximity to your home. Plants that touch your home can often provide a path for unwanted intruders such as spiders, ants or termites. Make sure that your shrubs and trees don't provide convenient cover for a burglar.

Once you've done some research, write down ideas and go to your local nursery or home center prepared. That way, they can help you choose appropriate trees, shrubs and flowers.

Most importantly, when it comes to landscaping, express yourself. Nothing can make the exterior of your home more uniquely yours than landscaping.

For more information about energy efficient landscaping, visit the American Nursery & Landscape Association at www.anla.org or The National Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org.

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PUBLISHED MARCH 21, 2009

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