Sustainable landscaping is eco-friendly and beautifies the outdoor spaces of a commercial property. It promotes biodiversity and reduces water, fertilizer, weed and pest control costs.
It also uses a variety of materials to make the landscape more natural and less dependent on chemical products. Its principles include: Choosing plants adapted to the climate, soil conditions and environment; harvesting rainwater; and using composting.
Plants
It is important to use plants that are native to the area and well-suited to your particular microclimate. These plants will be more resilient to local weather conditions and will require less maintenance. They also provide food for native pollinators, which can reduce the need for chemical pest controls.
Water conservation is another key aspect of sustainable landscaping. This can be accomplished by using drought-resistant plants, grouping plants with similar watering needs, installing a drip irrigation system, or capturing rainwater in rain barrels. Another way to conserve water is by reducing the amount of turf in your landscape and replacing it with native plants or vegetable gardens.
Other aspects of sustainable landscaping include mulching, composting, organic fertilizers, integrated pest management, and the use of durable materials. In addition, it is essential to minimize greenhouse gas emissions by using propane-powered equipment and avoiding gas-powered mowers, using solar lighting, and recycling or reusing garden and yard wastes.
Materials
Many sustainable landscaping practices depend on the use of reused or recycled materials. This reduces the demand for new materials that require energy and fuel to produce. It also minimizes the need for long distance transportation that can contribute to pollution.
For example, using recycled concrete or bricks for retaining walls and paving can save resources and money over time. And selecting plants that do not require fertilizers or pesticides, such as native species, cuts down on the use of these chemicals.
The choice of trees and shrubs is also important in sustainable landscaping. Native species have adapted to the local climate, making them naturally hardy and requiring less maintenance. They are a source of food and shelter for wildlife, which is good for the ecosystem. Native plantings also help control erosion and reduce the effects of stormwater runoff on downstream water bodies.
Water
Using permeable hardscaping materials and rain gardens can minimize the amount of water needed in the landscape. Using native plants also uses less water. The root systems of these plants capture and store rainwater and soil moisture, reducing erosion and pollution caused by runoff.
Leaving wildlife habitats undisturbed is another way to be eco-friendly. A small wooded area or babbling brook operates as a natural ecosystem that provides shelter and food for animals. A sustainable landscape should use organic mulch and fertilizers, instead of chemical products, to protect the environment.
Some sustainable landscaping techniques include planting trees and shrubs that require less water, using native plants that are well adapted to the climate, utilizing recycled or repurposed material, using solar power for outdoor lighting, and controlling pests with hand picking and other natural methods rather than chemicals. By implementing these sustainable landscaping practices, contractors can offer their clients a more environmentally friendly service while gaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Maintenance
One of the goals of sustainable landscaping is to minimize routine maintenance needs, such as water and fertilizer. A well-designed landscape with native plants and permeable surfaces will reduce these costs.
Native plants are adapted to the climate of a geographic area, so they are less likely to be invasive and require less care. They also help save water, as their deep roots hold and absorb rainwater rather than allowing it to run off into storm drains. They provide food, shelter and other resources for local wildlife.
Similarly, permeable paving materials, rain gardens and bioswales catch and filter stormwater before it reaches streams, rivers or lakes, reducing the need for costly wastewater treatment. Trees are an important part of the sustainable landscape, as they are natural filters, storing and absorbing water through their roots, reducing erosion and minimizing runoff into downstream ecosystems.
Mulching with organic materials such as leaves and grass clippings reduces weed growth, improves the soil and cuts down on mowing costs. Regular irrigation system checkups ensure that water isn’t being wasted by broken sprinkler heads, clogged lines or other problems.
