Green Concepts and Landscaping

Many of our clients will ask how to employ more green concepts with their landscaping? With that in mind I thought I'd present some of the concepts associated with Green Landscaping.
For more info, and a great resource, you can also visit www.builtgreen.net:

-When planning the planting aspect of your landscapes use native plants that grow well in your area and require less water (drought tolerant). After planting top dress flower bed areas with a mulch (2") that will help maximize watering by better absorbing water and assisting with water/soils runoff.

-Use trees and shrubs to help with erosion, home cooling and pollution control. Trees help remove toxins from the environment while also naturally cooling/heating homes based on placement.

-When prepping a site for new landscape development try to recapture the existing tree, shrubs and vegetation vs. completely removing what is on site. This saves on obvious dump fees and helps recapture materials.

-Controlling water and storm water runoff is also critical to green landscaping. This can be done with effective grading, water diverting and effective erosion control measures.

-Capture storm and rain water with rain barrels placed below roof overhangs or below gutters. This recaptured water can be used to water gardens, lawn etc.

-Use pervious materials like pavers for patios, pathways and driveways(see picture attached). Pervious surfaces allow for water absorption vs. creating more water runoff (like you see with concrete and other impervious surfaces).

-Stay away from pressure treated woods (as they typically will emit chemicals like arsenic in the soils when cut) where able and consider untreated wood or composite recycled materials when building fences, decks, trellis etc.

-And a newer trend coming to our area is "Green Roofs". These are specially designed roofs made from different plant ground covers and grasses that help absorb water runoff and pollutants from the environment.

Regarding yard maintenance and green landscaping:

-Minimize lawn areas for less maintenance, chemical use and watering. If planting lawns consider grass types that need less water or maintenance.

-When mowing use a mulcher that allows grass clippings to mulch back into the lawn.

-Crate compost areas where you can naturally compost yard waste, certain animal waste (chicken, rabbit, cow etc.) and re-use material.

-Aerate turf areas to allow for better water, air and nutrient absorption (spring/fall).

-Use organic fertilizers and natural products when able. For example rabbit feces is a great natural fertilizer and can be used immediately for flower beds or gardens. Chicken manure (if aged) can be used to fertilize turf areas or gardens.

-Consider using push lawn mowers to manage smaller turf areas.

-Did you know goats are a great way to naturally control weeds and turf areas?

Enjoy just some of these green landscaping concepts.

"Turf Tips"

OK, your lawn has emerged from one of the wettest colder winters we've had in a long time. If your lawn is like most it looks a bit haggard with any of the following maladies: moss infestation, thatch (dead grass roots), bare spots, yellowish appearance, emerging weeds (horsetail, dandelions) and more. By the way if you have netted sod that has been sitting in water the netting will begin to appear and bare spots will expand-this is normal (though not idea) with sod that sits in water.

So, what do you do?

I've compiled a punch list of how to remedy your lawn and help create a healthy, lush surface for you and your family to enjoy for many barbeque's to come.

One note in advance: many lawns as they approach 20-25 years are getting to the point where they need to be removed and a new lawn installed. If followed though these tips will give more life to the existing lawn you have:

-Aerate (plug holes in the turf): allows water, air and nutrients to penetrate turf roots better and accept new soils, feed and water more efficiently.

-De-thatch (removing dead turf roots or "thatch"): grass roots (thatch) and moss are removed leaving only the healthy grass blades.

-Topdressing (addition of new nutrient rich soils):with a suggested 3 way sand-soil-manure mixture fills the openings in the lawns, adds new soil foundation (key to good turf health) and assists in leveling dips.

-Over seed (addition of new turf seed) with a recommended perennial rye (smaller blade) sun/shade mixture to fill in the open turf areas from the de-thatch or existing bare spots. Note: turf seed needs a avg. temp of 50 degrees to germinate.

-Fertilizing application: get n a regular seasonal turf feed application, recommended at 5/year. There are many organic options now on the market if you are concerned about adding toxins into the environment. Weed and feed can be applied in the spring time for maximum effectiveness.

-Regular mowing: get on a regular mowing schedule and make sure to change mowing directions each time. Also consider mulching back in the cut grass to naturally compost.

-Regular watering: recommended watering levels @ 2-4" per week.

-Pet removal: removal of pet feces and other contaminants as applicable.

Follow these tips and watch your turf thrive. Wait, I think I can smell the barbecue?

How to select a landscaping contractor

Have you ever asked yourself any or all of the following questions: “There are so many “landscapers” how do I choose? Why are quotes all over the board? Will they show up if I hire them? Can I trust them to do the work correctly? Will they return my call? What happens if I hire them and I’m not happy?"

Too many options can be confusing, so how do you choose? One indicator is word of mouth, but consider the following questions when determining if you should hire a landscape professional:

1. "Is your company licensed bonded and adequately insured to be doing business on my property?”

Did you know landscape contractors are required by law to be licensed, bonded and insured?

2. “Does your company provide agreements in writing outlining what will be done including price, before starting a project?”

Clearly written agreements will ensure you get what you are paying for and help avoid any confusion.

3. “Does your company guarantee job satisfaction and offer product
warranties?”

The company you hire should share the risk with you if something was to go wrong or not work out to your satisfaction. Why pay for the same job twice if something does go wrong?

4. “Are your installers competent to complete the work I’d like done?”

Many companies are not truly equipped to complete the work properly especially when it comes to landscape construction (retaining walls/patios etc). Many companies offer but few can deliver. Specialized work typically requires specialized skill.

5. Does your company have client testimonials and job sites I can look at?

3rd party feedback and visual results typically will provide you positive or negative feedback.

And did you know: the #1 question most commonly asked that does not necessarily indicate a company’s overall competency:

“How long have you been in business?”

Impacts of landscaping

Time impacts and effective landscaping

To *effectively manage an **average size yard it will take homeowners approximately 80-100 hours per year per household.

If you maintain a standard 40 hour week you will work approx 2080 hours each year not including commute or leisure time.

It can take the average homeowner (not skilled in landscaping) three times longer to complete the same landscape project that it would a skilled professional.



Financial impacts and effective landscaping

If you make $50,000 a year your time is worth approx. $14/hour after expenses.

Landscaping can improve home values on average 7-15% (Gallup).

Investments in landscaping have a recovery rate at time of sale of 100-200%. In comparison Kitchens (75-125%), Bathrooms (20-120%) (Money Magazine).

Excellent landscaping can improve home sale prices 6-7% higher than equivalent “good” home landscaping (Clemson U).

A survey showed 99% of real estate appraisers say landscaping enhances sales appeal.



Environmental impacts and effective landscaping

An irrigation system can save 40% of the water it takes to hand water a yard.

Trees reduce noise up to 50% (EPA).

One tree reduces approximately 26 pounds of CO2 annually.

Plants protect water quality and reduce nitrate leech into soils while also reducing surface run-offs.

Plants and turf remove smoke, dust and pollutants.

Impervious surfaces such as paver patios allow for better drainage and less run-off.

Notes:
*Assuming you have the skill sets to accomplish these ongoing tasks: pruning, mowing/edging, flower bed maintenance.
** Approximately 5000-7500 sq. ft of landscape areas.
***40 visits @ 2 hours visit.

Welcome to the Jason @ Greenpoint blog

I'll be posting articles and comments related to landscaping, these views are my own (though if factual I will reference the source) and may not represent Greenpoint Landscaping views and opinions.
I do work at Greenpoint and have over 8 years of experience working with residential home owners on various landscaping projects, design and maintenance services.
I've written articles for select newspapers and magazines and have done extensive research on the value and impact of landscaping.
Greenpoint is the first integrated residential landscaping company based in Kirkland, WA, offering services to residential homeowners. For more info you can visit our company site at www.greenpointlandscaping.com
Feel free to ask for info on topics that interest you or those you may need more info on. . . I just may be able to supply the answer.