Sustainable Landscaping: Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Space
Are you thinking of what to do with your landscape? Have you considered eco-friendly landscaping? Eco landscaping involves applying sustainable landscaping practices. This type of landscaping focuses on environmental sustainability. It involves making use of natural resources in an efficient and responsible way. You are able to achieve a beautiful landscape without having a negative impact on the environment. When you apply sustainable landscaping practices, you will also save money on not only achieving a beautiful space but also maintaining it in the long term. You will also use less time and energy in achieving and maintaining your dream space.
Eco landscaping is actually not as complicated as many people think it is. You can achieve a sustainable space by incorporating simple elements such as composting, using native plants, and harvesting rainwater. We discuss these practices in more detail below. These practices can be applied to both small and large outdoor spaces. Below we share our top eco-friendly landscaping ideas that we have applied to help many of our clients achieve sustainable landscapes. These tips can be customized to meet your space, needs, and preferences.
Using Native Plants and Trees
One of the most important steps in eco gardens landscaping is planting native plants. Native plants are plants that are adapted naturally to the environment in your region. This means that you should go beyond seeking plants that are native to the US. You must find plants that are native to your particular region. You can identify native plants and trees by checking with your local garden center or online on trusted reference websites such as the National Wildlife Federation.
Using native plants and trees has many benefits. Because these plants are already adapted to the environment in your region, they will thrive in your space. They will be easier to grow and are more likely to grow healthier and stronger than plants that aren’t native. Because they grow well in the local climate and soils, they will need less watering, pesticides, and fertilizer to thrive. You won’t have to spend too much time and energy in maintaining these plants in the long term. Native plants also offer a naturally good habitat for local wildlife.
Composting and Soil Health
One of the biggest negative impacts of landscaping is the use of chemical fertilizers on soils. Chemical fertilizers are a great concern as they can cause water pollution when they seep into groundwater. Over-fertilizing can also cause the soil’s chemical profile to change considerably. This will impact the health of your lawn in the long term.
While native plants tend to do well in the local environment that they have adapted to, you still need to ensure that the soil offers the best conditions in which your plants can thrive. This means getting into the habit of having your soil tested and providing your plants with the nutrients they need for better health.
One great way of doing this is by using organic fertilizers. These are made from natural products. You can take it a step further and use compost. You can create a compost pile from your kitchen waste, garden waste, old newspapers, wood shavings, and cardboard. Vermiculture, which involves the introduction of worms to decompose kitchen waste into nutrient-rich material (vermicompost) will help you produce organic fertilizer even more efficiently. The resulting fertilizer is a great alternative to commercial fertilizer as well as pesticides.
Water conservation
Plants need water to thrive and survive. Water is a precious resource. Creating a sustainable landscape will mean using this valuable resource efficiently. There are various water-saving techniques you can apply to your landscape. Drip irrigation is one of the most effective ways to ensure your plants get the water they need when they need it without wasting a precious resource. These systems let water drip slowly out of the pipes. This also helps to conserve your soil by avoiding washing away that topsoil.
Aside from installing an eco-friendly way to distribute water, you should also consider a way to capture this precious resource. Invest in a rainwater harvesting system. This can be as simple as installing water barrels to catch rainwater. This will cut down your water bills significantly.
Using eco-friendly landscaping materials
Make use of eco-friendly landscaping materials that will help to reduce waste and promote sustainability in your landscape. For example, eco border landscaping edging will help to prevent the spread of the mulch and the washing away of nutritious topsoil. This will help to preserve soil health while reducing the need for watering and the application of chemicals.
Other sustainable materials to consider using in your garden include gravel and even permeable pavers. These will allow water to seep through into the soil and reduce water runoff. This will reduce the need for irrigating your land. They will also help to prevent soil erosion.
Identifying eco-friendly landscaping materials can be a bit of a challenge. You would need to do some research online. You can also talk to a landscaping professional that is familiar with sustainable landscaping. We at Tanabe Gardens Landscaping would be happy to guide you through the selection of materials for your landscape.
Conclusion
Achieving an eco-friendly landscape is simple. The ideas outlined above are not only easy to apply but also quite pocket-friendly. They will help you save money while achieving and maintaining a beautiful landscape without harming the planet.
If you’re searching for eco landscaping near me and need help achieving a sustainable landscape, contact us, at Tanabe Gardens Landscaping. We’d be happy to help you achieve your goal.
