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.
