Mother Nature's 11 Best Eco-Friendly Tips For Creating Beautiful Landscapes That Will Make, And Save You, Money
Wednesday, 18 August 2010 07:41
Trends come and go. Things become popular for a week, a month, or even a year or more, and then fade away. But there’s one craze that hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years; and that is Americans’ love affairs with their yards, plants, and gardens. There are many reasons these passions are sustained year after year. For instance, some people are simply happiest when they’re outside. Others wish to create beauty or extend their indoor living spaces to the great outdoors. Still others use their outdoor spaces as retreats – places to relax and decompress from their daily stresses. Then there are folks who enjoy more activity-centered landscaping.
However, increasing numbers of homeowners also look at their landscaping choices with more practical eyes. If you fall into this group, you recognize that your landscaping can also accomplish much more and that well-placed plants, trees, and shrubs can also help you:
However, you may be ready to make it happen, but you may not be sure where to begin. If so, you’re not alone and will benefit by adhering to the following eleven landscaping rules of thumb. And while there are many more great ideas, these are among the most effective, practical, and affordable.
1. Go au naturale. Don’t try to outsmart Mother Nature. Rather, choose plants that are native to your area and are accustomed to your region’s moisture conditions, temperatures, and soil.
They usually cost less and you’re likely to have better luck with them. As importantly, they’re also more eco-friendly because they often don’t require much fertilization. And this also reduces air pollutants and provides much-need food for birds, butterflies, and other critters.
For example, if you live in the desert, where the climate is extremely dry and temperatures regularly reach into the hundreds, you’d ideally want to choose plants that do well in extreme heat and are drought tolerant, like succulents, cacti, and the like.
2. Strategically place trees and bushes so they help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. When planting trees, bushes, and other foliage in your year, position them so they’ll help you save on costly utility bills. Here are some quick tips:
3. Purchase or build an outdoor trellis so that vines, ivies, and other plants can grow on the sides and top. This is a great, and very inexpensive way to cool off patios or decks during those hot summer months! And you can reap the benefits of it sooner rather than later by purchasing fast-growing vines such as Porcelain Berry, Virginia Creeper, Sliver Lace Vine, and Boston Ivy.
4. Replace some, or all, of your sprinklers with drip irrigators. These ingenious water-conservation systems have conventional ones beat, hands down because they deliver slow, even, and precise amounts of water directly to plants’ root zones so your plants will stay moist, not over saturated.
Better yet, they use up to 75% less water than traditional systems so you’ll save a ton of water and money, and these systems comply with any government drought restrictions which may be applied (that means your plants will stay healthy and green during water shortages).
Drip systems are also extremely affordable (yes, you can even install them yourself) and very flexible. You can start with a simple DIY kit and easily add on as your watering needs change.
5. Plant water-loving plants together and as close as possible to your main water source. In addition to saving you time, this will also help you conserve water. Better yet, consider adding drought-loving plants like succulents and cacti to your gardening mix.
6. Collect storm water using gutters, grates, and channel drains and divert it to capture devices such as rain barrels, cisterns, and catch basins. Then, go ahead and use it to wash your car; water your plants, flowerbeds, and grass; clean your windows, and the like. Yes, this does require a bit more thought and effort than you’re probably used to, but you’ll be amazed at how much water it saves.
7. Don’t over mow your lawn. Rather, set your mower’s blade height so that you’re only cutting off 1/3-1/2 of the blades’ lengths. Most lawnmowers today come equipped with mulching blades that prevent grass clumps and distribute the blades more evenly. This is ideal because your grass clippings will contribute important organic materials and other nutrients to the soil. It will also save raking time!
8. Enhance your curb appeal with eco-friendly, water-saving permeable pavers or stepping stones. You should seriously consider grass pavers (also called “grassy pavers” and “turf pavers”) as viable options for walkways and paths, green patios, driveway extensions, edgings, etc. Their “softscape” appearance is far more aesthetically pleasing than their non-porous counterparts (like concrete) and today’s varieties are extremely durable – and to many, surprisingly – durable.
What’s more, they’re very affordable (and will actually save you money on installation and maintenance). Additionally, they’re one of those landscaping “wise investments” that will more than pay you back if/when you sell your home. Given all of these advantages, it’s clear why these landscaping gems have earned their much-deserved reputation as one of best and most versatile green products on the market.
9. Use sun power. Put the sun to work by taking advantage of sophisticated and affordable solar-powered landscape lighting, water features, irrigation systems, and more. They’ll enhance your landscape’s beauty and save you money.
10. Put away the hose; get out the broom. Avoid wasting water by sweeping, instead of squirting, away your outdoor messes. Another thing... when it’s time, replace your gas-powered outdoor tools such as blowers and weed- whackers with electric ones .
11. Pull, don’t poison, weeds. Be kind to Mother Earth and forgo the chemicals – especially when it comes to weed-killers. Instead, help the environment by pulling or digging them! Moreover, all that stretching and moving is a great way to burn calories and have a weed-free yard! If this is not an option for you, however, you can either purchase an environmentally friendly weed-killing product (you’ll find them in stores and on the Internet) or make your own by combining:
In the end, the sooner you make a resolution to incorporate some or all of these ideas into your home’s landscaping, the sooner you’ll start reaping the benefits. Without a doubt, it’s a wonderful way to do your part for the planet; but it’s also a intelligent short- and long-term investment and one that can contribute significantly to your mental, physical, and emotional health.
For these reasons - and more - there’s never been a better time to reassess your approach to landscaping your outdoor spaces. If you're starting from scratch, you'll find that's it's extremely easy and cost-effective to put these ideas to work right away. If, however, your plan is to redesign your existing outdoor areas, it's probably wiser to start small and execute your plan over time. That way you'll avoid becoming overwhelmed and still be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
However, increasing numbers of homeowners also look at their landscaping choices with more practical eyes. If you fall into this group, you recognize that your landscaping can also accomplish much more and that well-placed plants, trees, and shrubs can also help you:
- Make money. Experts agree that landscaping is a smart way to invest your hard-earned dollars and one that usually pays big dividends when it’s time to sell. Your enhanced curb appeal will attract more ready buyers, and you’ll likely get a substantial – and positive – return on your investment.
- Transition into more eco-friendly lifestyles. As resources like fresh water become increasingly scarce, you may be looking for the emotional, physical, and psychological benefits associated with building and living “greener.” If so, you’d like environmentally friendly solutions for creating your dream landscape.
- Save money. Like many Americans you may be struggling to keep your head above water as a result of the country’s economic woes. Times are definitely tough and many of us have been forced to rethink our more wasteful pasts. We’re spending less and more wisely, and looking for practical ways to cut back on unnecessary – and often wasteful – expenses (like exorbitant utility bills). Gone are the days when public utility companies charged flat rates for water usage. Nowadays most people pay for what they use, so it makes even more sense to conserve!
However, you may be ready to make it happen, but you may not be sure where to begin. If so, you’re not alone and will benefit by adhering to the following eleven landscaping rules of thumb. And while there are many more great ideas, these are among the most effective, practical, and affordable.
1. Go au naturale. Don’t try to outsmart Mother Nature. Rather, choose plants that are native to your area and are accustomed to your region’s moisture conditions, temperatures, and soil.
They usually cost less and you’re likely to have better luck with them. As importantly, they’re also more eco-friendly because they often don’t require much fertilization. And this also reduces air pollutants and provides much-need food for birds, butterflies, and other critters.
For example, if you live in the desert, where the climate is extremely dry and temperatures regularly reach into the hundreds, you’d ideally want to choose plants that do well in extreme heat and are drought tolerant, like succulents, cacti, and the like.
2. Strategically place trees and bushes so they help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. When planting trees, bushes, and other foliage in your year, position them so they’ll help you save on costly utility bills. Here are some quick tips:
- Place deciduous trees (ones that lose their foliage in fall) near windows on the southern and western walls of your home, and they’ll provide you with shade in the summer. According to the American Public Power Association this can lower summer room temperatures by up to nine degrees and reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 50 percent! Even better, your “leafless trees” will allow the sun to shine through in winter and do just the opposite – keep your rooms warm and toasty.
- Plant shrubs along the sunniest side of your house. As they grow and begin to fill in, they will shade the walls of your home and help maintain lower temperatures.
- Tame winter gusts with wind-breaking trees. If you live in a climate where “wind chill” readings are more telling than temperature readings, you already understand the impact that winter winds have on the temperature inside your home – and unfortunately, your heating bill. A simple solution to this ongoing problem, is to plant evergreen trees and low-growing shrubs close together on the windward side of your home (this is usually on the side that faces north).
3. Purchase or build an outdoor trellis so that vines, ivies, and other plants can grow on the sides and top. This is a great, and very inexpensive way to cool off patios or decks during those hot summer months! And you can reap the benefits of it sooner rather than later by purchasing fast-growing vines such as Porcelain Berry, Virginia Creeper, Sliver Lace Vine, and Boston Ivy.
4. Replace some, or all, of your sprinklers with drip irrigators. These ingenious water-conservation systems have conventional ones beat, hands down because they deliver slow, even, and precise amounts of water directly to plants’ root zones so your plants will stay moist, not over saturated.
Better yet, they use up to 75% less water than traditional systems so you’ll save a ton of water and money, and these systems comply with any government drought restrictions which may be applied (that means your plants will stay healthy and green during water shortages).
Drip systems are also extremely affordable (yes, you can even install them yourself) and very flexible. You can start with a simple DIY kit and easily add on as your watering needs change.
5. Plant water-loving plants together and as close as possible to your main water source. In addition to saving you time, this will also help you conserve water. Better yet, consider adding drought-loving plants like succulents and cacti to your gardening mix.
6. Collect storm water using gutters, grates, and channel drains and divert it to capture devices such as rain barrels, cisterns, and catch basins. Then, go ahead and use it to wash your car; water your plants, flowerbeds, and grass; clean your windows, and the like. Yes, this does require a bit more thought and effort than you’re probably used to, but you’ll be amazed at how much water it saves.
7. Don’t over mow your lawn. Rather, set your mower’s blade height so that you’re only cutting off 1/3-1/2 of the blades’ lengths. Most lawnmowers today come equipped with mulching blades that prevent grass clumps and distribute the blades more evenly. This is ideal because your grass clippings will contribute important organic materials and other nutrients to the soil. It will also save raking time!
8. Enhance your curb appeal with eco-friendly, water-saving permeable pavers or stepping stones. You should seriously consider grass pavers (also called “grassy pavers” and “turf pavers”) as viable options for walkways and paths, green patios, driveway extensions, edgings, etc. Their “softscape” appearance is far more aesthetically pleasing than their non-porous counterparts (like concrete) and today’s varieties are extremely durable – and to many, surprisingly – durable.
What’s more, they’re very affordable (and will actually save you money on installation and maintenance). Additionally, they’re one of those landscaping “wise investments” that will more than pay you back if/when you sell your home. Given all of these advantages, it’s clear why these landscaping gems have earned their much-deserved reputation as one of best and most versatile green products on the market.
9. Use sun power. Put the sun to work by taking advantage of sophisticated and affordable solar-powered landscape lighting, water features, irrigation systems, and more. They’ll enhance your landscape’s beauty and save you money.
10. Put away the hose; get out the broom. Avoid wasting water by sweeping, instead of squirting, away your outdoor messes. Another thing... when it’s time, replace your gas-powered outdoor tools such as blowers and weed- whackers with electric ones .
11. Pull, don’t poison, weeds. Be kind to Mother Earth and forgo the chemicals – especially when it comes to weed-killers. Instead, help the environment by pulling or digging them! Moreover, all that stretching and moving is a great way to burn calories and have a weed-free yard! If this is not an option for you, however, you can either purchase an environmentally friendly weed-killing product (you’ll find them in stores and on the Internet) or make your own by combining:
- 1 gallon of white vinegar
- 1 cup of table salt
- 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
In the end, the sooner you make a resolution to incorporate some or all of these ideas into your home’s landscaping, the sooner you’ll start reaping the benefits. Without a doubt, it’s a wonderful way to do your part for the planet; but it’s also a intelligent short- and long-term investment and one that can contribute significantly to your mental, physical, and emotional health.
For these reasons - and more - there’s never been a better time to reassess your approach to landscaping your outdoor spaces. If you're starting from scratch, you'll find that's it's extremely easy and cost-effective to put these ideas to work right away. If, however, your plan is to redesign your existing outdoor areas, it's probably wiser to start small and execute your plan over time. That way you'll avoid becoming overwhelmed and still be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Tiffany Guerra, BA, MS, is an environmentalist, strategic marketing manager for NDS and a freelance writer. Tiffany is passionate about helping people reduce their carbon footprints using practical, affordable, and uncomplicated methods. As such, she regularly contributes articles on topics such as the benefits of green spaces, the conservation of water, and more, to this website and other online publications.
