Environmentally Conscious Landscaping Is On The Rise
Eco-friendly landscaping is excellent for both the environment and your wallet. Ecologically conscious landscaping is popular partially because of public education concerning climate change and other environmental concerns as well as awareness of federal programs aimed toward helping people make their properties more sustainable. If you’re looking for ways to save energy, water, and money with your yard’s landscaping, look no further. Here are a few ideas on how to make your yard more eco-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Landscaping Ideas
Some of these ideas are easy to implement on your own. However, some of them may require a professional landscaper. Here at Desert Environments, we have over 25 years of landscaping experience and can help you live greener here in Paradise Valley. Just call to get started!
1. Compost
Composting is one of the most natural things you can do to live greener. Instead of throwing away things like food waste, newspapers, and lawn clippings, turn them into homemade compost to feed your garden!
2. Automatic Irrigation
Another simple way to make your yard greener (both literally and figuratively) is to install automatic sprinklers. Conserving water is essential, especially out here in the desert. Reduce your water use by scheduling your sprinklers to water the grass in the early mornings and late evenings to prevent evaporation. Automatic sprinklers are proven to reduce water use and deliver water to plants efficiently. So much, so that automated irrigation systems encourage plants to develop deeper root systems.
3. Reusing Household Items
Everyone’s heard the age-old saying: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” The first step to greener living is to reduce the amount of energy you use, and the next step is to reuse products and items as much as possible. Luckily, multiple household items are suitable for outdoor use with just a little bit of preparation. You can use nearly anything as a planter as long as it holds soil. Just a little bit of spray paint goes a long way toward turning an old bowl or bucket into a flower planter. Not only do you keep old items out of the landfill, but you provide a home for your plants!
4. Artificial Grass
Artificial turf will greatly reduce the amount of water you use at home.
If conserving water is the most important to you when making your yard more eco-friendly, artificial grass should be one of your top priorities. Synthetic turf is always green, and it requires little to no maintenance (especially compared to a natural lawn).
5. Reduce Pesticide Use
Another easy way to make your yard more eco-friendly is to use fewer pesticides. Additionally, many of the pesticides available at home improvement stores are toxic and can harm your children or pets. Consider using natural pest control methods such as making your natural pesticide or buying organic pesticides.
6. Install Hardscapes
Not only do hardscapes increase the living area of your backyard, but they make your yard more environmentally friendly by conserving water. By replacing a small area of grass with a stone patio or walkway, you can save thousands of gallons of water annually.
7. Mow With a Reel Mower
If you don’t have a large backyard, mowing with a reel mower can contribute to energy conservation by reducing the amount of gas you use. However, if mowing the lawn with a reel pushmower isn’t possible, battery-powered lawnmowers are a good option as well.
8. Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping refers to the practice of gardening or landscaping that focuses on reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation other than rainfall. Cacti are popular plants to incorporate in xeriscaping. However, there are plenty of ways to make an aesthetically pleasing xeriscaped backyard. There are several advantages to xeriscaping, including:
- Water conservation. Xeriscaping is proven to reduce water use by 60% or more, and it aids in rainfall water retention.
- Lower maintenance costs. Xeriscaping requires fewer pesticides and equipment. Additionally, not much upkeep is required in reduced lawn areas.
- Reduced waste. Xeriscaping reduces the amount of organic waste, such as lawn clippings, in landfills.
9. Protect Runoff Water
If you use fertilizers, make sure to prevent it from contaminating any sources of water, such as streams and ponds. Fertilizers, as well as organic waste, contain chemicals and nutrients that damage sources of water if improperly used or managed.
10. Create a Habitat for Local Wildlife
By creating a habitat for local wildlife, you promote natural pollination. Make sure to provide shelter and a water source for your critter visitors.
Other Ways to Conserve Water and Energy in the Yard
In addition to the ten tips detailed above, there are a few other things you can do to reduce energy and water use at home, including:
- LED Lighting. Instead of using traditional lighting to keep your lawn or backyard lit at night, consider installing LED lights to conserve energy. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional lighting.
- Shower With a Bucket. If you need to reduce water use at home, keep a bucket in the tub while you shower. Collect water instead of letting it go down the drain and use it to water your plants.
- Mulch. Mulch is a great way to help the soil retain moisture as well as keep it cool, which can almost double the growth rate of your plants!
Desert Environments: Create an Oasis
With decades of combined experience distributed among its friendly and knowledgeable staff, Desert Environments is the best choice in Paradise Valley for landscaping services, including maintenance and landscape design. If you’re looking to make your yard more eco-friendly, give us a call. We can help you design the backyard oasis of your dreams!