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“My approach to landscape design involves looking at it
full circle,” explains Rob Dull, Lead Landscape Designer with Snow Creek
Landscaping, LLC, in Asheville, NC. “From me, the designer, to the
implementation, to who is going to be living with it 15 years from now,” he
continues, “we want as minimal impact and least maintenance possible, while
doing our best to mimic the natural systems of the area.” In other words,
sustainability.
Just as with a green home, there are numerous benefits to
green landscaping – for both the environment and the homeowner. Such
landscapes reduce water runoff and air and noise pollution, alleviate pressure
on native plants, improve biodiversity, create a natural habitat for wildlife
and require less maintenance … which means less money, too. According to the
Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), “the average 1-acre lawn costs $700
and requires 40 hours of labor each year to maintain,” which is far more than a
more natural, green landscaped yard requires. Correct placement of shade trees
can even help to save money on energy bills. Other benefits to the homeowner
include reduced exposure to synthetic chemicals (which is especially important
with children).
It’s also important to remember that if you are pursuing
green home certification, you will likely be required to meet a few requirements
in your yard.
The impact on a family or community of improving one
landscape may be difficult to envision, but is important nonetheless. “We’ve
got to start small at the grassroots level,” says Mr. Dull. “These are the
little things that really add up over time.”
With this in mind, here are a few ways that you can create
a greener environment around your home:
Consider the Climate When selecting plantings for your
yard, look for those that can thrive best in your climate. And do your homework
– even within a general region, such as the coast, heartlands or mountains,
every single homesite is different. “Hardiness Zones are helpful,” says Mr.
Dull, of the U.S.D.A.’s map of climate zones, “but you need to make a thorough
site inventory and analysis of all your plants, soils, temperatures, stormwater
and sun patterns.” While it’s not suitable for every area and yard, also
consider xeriscaping – the practice of planting drought-resistant varieties of
plants. This reduces irrigation needs, saving water (and money!). It can be
particularly successful in urban areas. For guidance, look to your local
nurseries and Cooperative Extension offices.
Avoid Invasive PlantsJust because a plant grows well in your climate,
doesn’t mean it’s an automatic winner. Some plants have the ability to overtake
your own yard, or your neighbor’s, if not kept in check. Southerners will be
most familiar with the example of kudzu, that most determined vine that seems to
overtake whole areas overnight. Some other invasive plants to avoid include
English ivy, fig vine, false jasmines, Japanese wisteria, mondo grass and
creeping lily turf.
Avoid Over-Planting Plants need room to breathe, too. Once you’ve made
your plant selections, be sure to position them with enough space to thrive and
grow to maturity, away from other plants, your home and hardscapes. It’s an
important rule to remember particularly when planning a new landscape. The
tendency is often to create instantaneously full-looking landscapes, without
thought of how large in size the plants will grow. “Don’t be intimidated by the
instantaneous gratification factor,” says Mr. Dull. “Good things come to those
who wait.” For example, it’s sometimes difficult to envision that a small
oakleaf hydrangea will grow to eight feet by eight feet in size in its lifetime.
Edible Garden Plant fruits, vegetables, berries and nuts in your
yard to be enjoyed by your family. Food is never more fresh than when it has
been walked from garden to table.
If you cannot grow the food in your own yard, do the next
best thing. Frequent local farmers’ markets to cut down on the fuel used to
transport food to your community. The same applies to nurseries – shop locally
for the “greenest” plants.
Minimize Grassy Lawns Grass, that staple of American landscaping, isn’t all
that it’s cracked up to be. Grass increases stormwater runoff, as it doesn’t
absorb as much water as woodlands or diverse plantings. The effect is
multiplied when one considers how much water homeowners waste trying to water
it. Additionally, grass requires extensive maintenance, and gasoline-powered
mowers and trimmers contribute to air and noise pollution. Try to limit your
grassy areas by replacing them with planting beds, and then cut them less
often. When it is time for a trim, opt for electric equipment over gas.
Pervious Pavements & Rain GardensAnother helpful way to manage stormwater is to use pervious
pavements for your driveway and walkways. Pervious materials, such as stones
and gravel, allow water to be absorbed into the ground, whereas large concrete
slabs create runoff. There are, however, some great new concrete pavers on the
market, says Mr. Dull, that are designed to be permeable. For further control,
plant rain gardens in water-prone areas. Rain gardens are a coupling of rocks
and water-happy plants that can take on large amounts of stormwater and then
help to dissimilate it into the ground, thus preventing erosion or water
damage.
Avoid HerbicidesWhat’s harmful to you is harmful to Mother Nature, too.
Avoid the use of pesticides, such as insecticides and herbicides, or at least
limit their use. Look for more natural, albeit uncommon treatments for your
gardening woes, such as using earthworm castings to get rid of whitefly on
gardenias.
Install Rain BarrelsGive your water bill a break by installing a rain barrel (or
two or three). You can buy them ready-made, or make one yourself (Mr. Dull
recommends checking with your local Cooperative Extension office for “how to”
classes and tips). The barrels collect rainwater runoff from your roof via the
gutters and store it for later use watering your lawn and plants. You’ll be
amazed, however, how quickly a barrel fills up following a good rain. Some
homeowners today are opting for large, 5,000 gallon tanks buried underground
that can be sourced for traditional sprinkler systems, garden hoses or even grey
water recycling.
Compost PilesWant to really pamper your begonias? Start a compost pile using
grass clippings, leaves and organic kitchen scraps. Pick an out-of-the way spot
in your yard, and the pile can start on the bare ground, or you can build or buy
a container. (Again, your local Cooperative Extension office is a great
resource.) In time you will have the most wonderful, nutrient-rich soil to
cultivate your plants with, while simultaneously reducing the amount of organic
matter in landfills. An added bonus? Little ones will also appreciate that
“it’s virtually like having a science classroom in their own back yard,” says
Mr. Dull.
Seek Professional HelpCreating a truly green landscape requires
extensive, time-consuming research. Often, if you have time constraints or like
to collaborate, it helps to turn to a professional. Many landscape architects
and contractors offer consultations and/or can create a landscape design for you
that you can then implement on your own.
When shopping around for such a green professional, Mr.
Dull has several suggestions. Perusing a local green building council member
list is a good way to find names of sustainable landscaping companies. No
matter how you come across a name, however, be sure to do a thorough check.
Read the company’s mission statement – are they sustainably focused? Do they
have extensive certifications and continuing education requirements? Be sure to
check references and look through their portfolio. Trust your instinct, too.
Spend some time with your prospective landscape designer and ask lots of
questions. “Knowledge of native plant species and their specific growing
requirements is very important in green landscaping,” says Mr. Dull, “and should
be something that the designer is passionate about.”
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