Understanding Sustainable Landscaping
Sustainable landscaping is being touted as one of the actions
you can take to help reduce your carbon footprint. If you don’t
fully understand what sustainable landscaping means you’ll have
a better idea where to start after reading this.
What is sustainable landscaping?
The dictionary says that sustainable is something capable of
being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.
Sustainable landscaping then is landscaping that doesn’t require
excessive watering, that helps maintain a healthy environment
both indoors and out and that doesn’t pollute. It can even be
used to support renewable energy efforts such as planting trees
to block solar gain during hotter months.
Another goal of sustainable landscaping is reducing the amount
of grass currently present. Grass requires constant watering.
Plus, fuel-powered mowers and lawn equipment release carbon dioxide
into the air when operating. So the less grass there is to mow,
trim, blow and water, the more you reduce your carbon footprint.
If the landscaping at your home requires excessive water and
chemical use to keep looking its best, it’s probably making more
than a minimal long-term effect on the environment. But since
we crave bountiful, carefully-manicured, weed-free yards, sustainable
landscaping has been slow to catch on.
Benefits of sustainable landscaping
Sustainable landscaping means you can create a beautiful outdoor
environment for a fraction of the money and time it takes to create
and maintain a more traditional type of landscaping.
By choosing indigenous plants, those plants that originated in
the region in which you live, you can reduce the amount of time
needed to care for your landscaping. You can greatly reduce the
amount of water your landscaping needs to survive. And you can
greatly reduce use of harsh pesticides, weed killers and costly
plant nutrients.
Sustainable landscaping first steps
Careful design of the space is the best way to ensure the landscape
you create will look great now and in the future. So take time
to consider the specifics of the space before jumping into the
project. Know the amount of sun the space gets at different times.
Know the condition of the soil and whether or not it needs amending.
Ideally, sustainable landscaping shouldn’t require soil amendment
but there are situations in which it does. And determine the type
of irrigation needed with an eye towards watering efficiency.
Recommended Plants for the Pacific Northwest
Native Evergreens and Shrubs
Native Trees
Native Plants
Native Grasses
Learning more about sustainable landscaping
The best resource for learning about sustainable landscaping
is your local government. With a bit of research you’ll find links
to educational programs and publications that describe ideal landscape
practices and practices that promote conservation of the area’s
natural resources.
Oftentimes local governments maintain nature preserves that are
open to the public. Spend an afternoon there and you’ll leave
with a better idea of what sustainable landscaping looks like
in your area.
If you don’t think you can make the change to sustainable landscaping
on your own you can probably hire someone to do it for you. Smart
landscaping companies are beginning to specialize in sustainable
landscaping so as the concept catches on, they’ll be ready to
meet the demand.
More Info
King
Co WA Sustainable Landscaping
University of Minnesota
Sustainable Landscaping
