Tips For Going Green

There’s a lot of talk about “going green,” but what does that really mean?
While going green might mean different things to different people, any effort to think about how your decisions impact the planet and its limited resources is thinking green. And anything you do to conserve resources and reduce your impact on the planet is going green. We decided to devote this month’s newsletter to answering a few frequently asked questions.

 

How can I reduce water usage?
There’s no question that most homeowners do over-water their lawns. Not only is this a waste of precious resources, it’s also a waste of time and money! Plus it may be doing more harm than good since an over-watered lawn can grow more weeds. The best way to ensure you are watering the right amount is to get to know your lawn. Different plants have different watering needs and different soils have varying water-holding capacities. If you have an outdated irrigation system, it may be time for an upgrade. Today’s irrigation systems utilize smart water technology and rain sensors to ensure that your lawn is getting just the right amount of water—no more, no less.

 

I mow several acres of grass around my house. Is there a better solution?
These days it’s becoming more common for homeowners to replace their weekly mowed lawn areas with lower maintenance solutions. Some homeowners are opting for wildflower or meadow area which get mowed 1-2 times a year in place of traditional turf. These low-maintenance landscape areas provide a natural habitat for wildlife including butterflies, bees, birds, and other animals. Wildflower meadows are a way to protect the natural habitat near your home and drastically reduce your yard maintenance. Gas-powered mowers and power equipment produce an immense amount of nutrition and are extremely inefficient. By reducing your need for mowing, you’re reducing pollution. Even if you don’t decide to replace your turf, you could consider electric or rechargeable power equipment to reduce pollution.

 

What other changes can I make?
Going green can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. We often find that our clients make a few small green changes and things snowball from there. Ways to go green might include composting all your yard waste on site, buying locally so that you know where your products truly come from, or even installing a landscape that requires less fertilization, watering, and care (such as a landscape with native plants or more hardscaping). We can help you with other ways to go green. As a company, it’s something we’re always paying attention to.

 

Reducing your footprint
Overall, the biggest thing you can do to protect the planet and its limited resources is to reduce your carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted as a result of your daily activities. When you drive to work or operate appliances in your home, for instance, you are contributing to the burning of fossil fuels. Greener living will help you reduce your carbon footprint and have an impact on saving our precious planet.

 

For more design tips, consult the professionals at Exscape Designs. We can help you reimagine your outdoor landscape. Call today!