Tips for an Environmentally Friendly Landscape

Improving your outside living area can be accomplished in many ways- without all that lawn to maintain! Shrubs, trees and flowers are essential components of eco-friendly landscaping. And varying types of plants, flowers, edible plants and those that attract beneficial insects can increase the beauty of your garden and improve the surrounding microclimate. Create a space that you love that is beautiful, beneficial, and a happy home to critters big and small. Here are a few simple tips about how to create the most eco-friendly garden.

One of the simplest ways to create a more environmental friendly landscape is to select native plants rather than exotic ones. Native plants are easier to maintain because they are already adapted to weather and soil conditions of your local region, thus requiring less overall maintenance. The selection of native plants is also the best choice for an eco-friendly landscape since these plants are resistant to local diseases and pests- so you’ll use fewer pesticides to maintain your garden (or none at all!). Visit your local extension service at the university or your State Department of Agriculture to determine appropriate plant options for your zone.

Proper placement of plants is another basic element of environmental friendly landscape. Note that after making right selections of native plants for your region, you should place these plants on your garden carefully. Low water plants should be planted together, which will reduce amount of time needed for watering in addition to conserving water. Water conservation also essential for an environmental friendly landscape, especially to regions that experience dry conditions. If you live in dry region, then xeriscape plants are a good bet for your garden. These desert natives require less water than other moderate-temperature plants. But regardless of the type of climate, it’s always best to water your garden in the early morning or late evenings to prevent water loss. You can also use drip irrigation to ensure water stays directly where it’s needed and not lost in evaporation.

It’s also important to look into using renewable materials while designing your landscape. Build your sheds, fences, walkways and car port areas using renewable materials such as fly ash and wood. Bamboo is an excellent type of wood for most landscaping projects. Not only is it a quick growing, sustainable plant, it also incredibly durable, ensuring that the impact of your garden will be minimal. If you are just starting to think about creating an outdoor garden space, you may also want to consider conducting an environmental impact assessment before beginning the process. This is a mandatory requirement in many states across the globe to ensure eco friendly environment.