Top 13 Tips & Ideas For Sustainable Landscaping

Landscaping is like a paintbrush, allowing you to paint your style onto your property’s canvas. But, it’s crucial to understand how to care for the natural environment of your property.

Sustainable landscaping is an integral part of creating an eco-friendly home. Using sustainable landscape solutions can help preserve the environment and reduce your impact on the planet. There are several sustainable landscaping design ideas that you can use to create a beautiful and eco-friendly garden.

Creating a sustainable landscape is a great way to do your part to protect the environment. Environmentally friendly landscaping reduces your water usage and saves energy. Sustainable landscaping can also help to improve air quality and promote biodiversity.

Have you been looking to go green with your landscaping? What kinds of lawn design ideas have you wanted to try but weren’t sure they were sustainable? Keep reading as we deep dive into sustainable landscaping and discuss 13 green landscaping ideas and tips.

What Do You Mean By Sustainable Landscaping?

So what exactly does sustainable landscaping look like? Sustainable landscape design is about creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that are also good for the environment.

Sustainable landscaping incorporates a variety of techniques, including:

Low maintenance: Environmental landscape designs are often low maintenance because they involve native plants. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate and don’t require a lot of watering or other special care. As a result, they can often thrive with little intervention from people.
Conserving energy: Green landscaping typically involves creating a more efficient irrigation system. You can save a significant amount of energy by using drought-tolerant plants and an irrigation system that uses less water.

By using sustainable practices, we can help reduce human activity’s negative impact on the environment. Sustainable landscaping is not only good for the environment – it can also be good for your health.

One of the best things you can do for your health is to get more physical activity. Eco-friendly landscaping can help with that. Just think – no more mowing the lawn!

Instead, you can use a push reel mower, which is a great workout. You can also add other features to your yard that encourage physical activity, like a garden or a playground.

Being in nature has endless benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood. Sustainable landscaping can help you create an oasis in your backyard, where you can go to relax and de-stress.

Plants also help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. So, by adding more plants to your landscape, you can help purify the air both inside and outside your home.

If you’re ready to bring your dream sustainable garden design to life, don’t wait! Contact our experts at Exscape Designs today!

4 Principles of Sustainable Landscaping

Are you thinking about going green with your yard? There are four main principles of sustainable landscaping you should know. Each one is essential in creating an effective, sustainable garden design.

Treat Water as a Valuable Resource

Water is a precious resource for all forms of life. Using less of it can help conserve this vital resource for future generations. A sustainable landscaping design can help you save water, which is good for the environment and your wallet.

Simple things like using native plants that require less water and installing a rain barrel can make a big difference. In addition, using less water can also save you money on your utility bills. Here are some tips on how to treat water as a valuable resource in your sustainable landscape:

Use less water overall to save money on your utility bills.
Direct runoff from downspouts and gutters away from impermeable surfaces reduces stormwater runoff and conserves water.
Consider using drought-tolerant plants in areas where water is scarce.
Mulch your plant beds to help conserve moisture.
Group plants together based on their water needs so you can more easily manage irrigation.
Use an automatic timer for your irrigation system to avoid overwatering.
Check for leaks in your irrigation system and repair them promptly.
Regularly check your plants for signs of drought stress and water accordingly.

Following these tips will help you treat water as a valuable resource in your sustainable landscape. Using less water will save money on utility bills, reduce stormwater runoff, and conserve this critical natural resource.

Value Your Soil

Valuing your landscape soil includes doing everything possible to reduce the amount of compacted soil. It’s no secret that compacted soil is bad for your plants. But what exactly is it, and why is it so detrimental to your landscape?

Compacted soil is soil compressed by heavy traffic or other weighty objects. It can happen naturally over time or occur due to human activity, like construction or farming.

The result is the same: the packed soil particles make it difficult for water and air to penetrate. It can lead to many problems for your plants, including:

Poor drainage: Water will have difficulty seeping into compacted soil, leading to pooled water on the surface. That can create conditions that are ideal for breeding mosquitoes and other pests.
Limited root growth: Plants need oxygen to grow, and their roots rely on air pockets in the soil to get it. Compacted soil limits the amount of oxygen roots can access, stunting the plant’s growth.
Nutrient deficiencies: Plants also need nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to thrive. Compacted soil lacks these essential nutrients, causing plants to become malnourished.

There are a few easy ways to check your soil. The first is to dig into the ground with a shovel simply. Compacted soil is difficult to penetrate or comes up in large clumps. Another indicator is the appearance of the plants growing in that area. If they’re stunted or yellowing, that’s another symptom of compacted soil.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix it. One is to aerate the soil with a garden fork or similar tool. That will help break up the compacted soil and allow water and air to reach the roots of your plants.

You can also add organic matter, like compost or manure. It will improve the structure of the soil and make it easier for roots to grow. Otherwise, your plants will struggle, and your landscape will be less sustainable.

Select and Preserve Native Plants

To have a genuinely sustainable landscape, it is pertinent to preserve native plants. Not only are they an essential part of the ecosystem, but they also need less maintenance and care than non-native plants.

So what are the best ways to protect them?

Removing invasive plants is critical to your native plants’ survival. Invasive plants crowd out native plants because they have no natural predators in their new environment. They can quickly take over a landscape, so it is crucial to remove them as soon as you see them.

It’s also essential to ensure that you provide the right conditions for native plants to grow. That includes ensuring that they have the correct amount of sunlight and water. Limit your use of pesticides or herbicides in your landscape. These products can harm native plants, so it is best to avoid them if possible.

Material Resources Must Be Conserved

The last principle of sustainable landscape care is to conserve material resources. As you design your sustainable landscape, consider ways to reduce the yard waste you produce.

One way to do this is to choose plants native to your area. They will better adapt to your local conditions and require less water and fertilizer than non-native plants. You can also use mulch as a way to reduce weeds and conserve moisture in the soil. When selecting mulch, look for products made from recycled materials such as wood chips or shredded newspaper.

Another way to reduce yard waste is to compost your own organic material. It can include leaves, grass clippings, and fruit and vegetable scraps.

13 Tips for Sustainable Landscaping

Creating an environmental landscape design doesn’t have to be complicated or tedious. Below are our top 13 green landscaping ideas to help bring your sustainable garden design to life!

Erosion Prevention Landscaping

Erosion is the process of wind, water or ice wearing away and transporting soil or rocks. It can happen quickly, like during a heavy rainstorm or over a long period. It can become a problem for the environment and wildlife.

There are two types of erosion: physical and chemical. Physical erosion refers to the physical forces of wind, water or ice. Chemical erosion occurs by chemicals in the environment (such as acid rain) breaking down rocks and soils.

Erosion is a significant problem for wildlife. Animals living in eroding habitats may lose their homes or move to new areas. That can disrupt food webs and have other impacts on ecosystems.

There are many ways to prevent or reduce erosion. Some methods, such as planting trees or building walls, stop wind or water from reaching the soil. Other methods, such as using mulch or creating buffer zones, protect the earth from the impact of wind or water.

You can help reduce erosion by taking simple steps in your backyard. Groundcover helps keep soil in place. Mulch helps hold back soil and water.

Both mulch and groundcover are available in a variety of colors and textures. You can use them to create an attractive landscape while providing effective erosion control.

You can also create a buffer zone around sensitive areas by planting grass or other vegetation. Taking these steps can help keep our environment healthy and prevent erosion from damaging our natural resources.

Use Plants That Are Native to the Area

Native plants are always a good choice for sustainable landscaping. They’re adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and maintenance than non-native species. Use native plants in your garden beds and accent pieces in your landscape design.

When choosing native plants for your landscape, consider the following:

Sun exposure: How much sun does the area get? Full sun, partial sun, or shade?
Soil type: Is the soil sandy, clayey, or loamy?
Moisture: Does the area tend to be dry or moist?

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can narrow your choices and select the best plants for your landscape.

Consider Xeriscaping

If you live in an area with limited water resources or want to save money, xeriscaping may be the answer. Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and other techniques to reduce the need for irrigation. Xeriscaping can help you save water and money while maintaining a beautiful landscape.

There are many benefits to xeriscaping, including:

Water savings: Using drought-tolerant plants can reduce the water needed to maintain your landscape. That can lead to significant savings on your water bill.
Low maintenance: Xeriscaped landscapes don’t need as much watering and fertilizing as traditional landscapes. That means less work for you!
Environmental benefits: Xeriscaping can help reduce water pollution and soil erosion.
Aesthetics: Xeriscaped landscapes can be just as beautiful as traditional landscapes. With careful plant selection, you can create a stunning landscape that is also low maintenance.

With some planning, you can create a beautiful, water-wise landscape that will save you money and time.

Add Stations for Collecting Rainwater

One of the best sustainable landscape solutions you can try is collecting rainwater with bins or empty garbage cans. Not only does this help conserve water, but it can also provide other benefits for your landscape.

Rainwater is softer than tap water, so it’s less likely to cause mineral buildup on plants and soil. It can also moderate temperatures in your landscape, protecting plants from stress during extreme weather conditions.

Collecting rainwater is a great way to save money on your water bill. And who doesn’t love saving money?

Rock Garden

Lawns are one of the most water-intensive landscaping features. A typical lawn requires about 10,000 gallons of water per year to stay healthy. That’s a lot of water that could be useful for other purposes!

A rock garden is an excellent alternative to a traditional lawn. Not only does it save water, but it also requires less maintenance. You won’t have to mow or fertilize a rock garden, which will still look beautiful!

A rock garden is worth considering if you’re looking for a no-lawn landscape design.

Solar-powered Outdoor Lights

Solar-powered lights are a great option if you’re looking for eco-friendly landscaping ideas. Solar lights rely on sun rays, so they don’t need any electricity or batteries and are easy to install and maintain. They’re the perfect option for low-maintenance landscaping.

Wildlife Garden

A wildlife garden is designed to attract and support local wildlife. It can include native plants, food and water sources and shelter. Wildlife gardens can be of any size, from a small balcony garden to a large piece of land.

There are many reasons why you might want to create a wildlife garden. Maybe you’re looking for a more natural landscape, or you want to attract helpful animals like bees and birds. Creating a wildlife garden can also help boost your local ecosystem.

Wildlife gardens have countless benefits and can:

Help support local ecosystems
Attract helpful animals like bees and birds
Provide food and shelter for wildlife
Help control pests and diseases naturally
Increase the biodiversity in your area
Allow you to enjoy watching wildlife up close!

There are a few things to remember when creating a wildlife garden. What kind of animals do you want? Select plants that will provide food and shelter for these animals. Then create hiding places and nesting sites.

What kinds of plants can you include in your wildlife garden?

Fruit and nut trees: Trees such as apples, cherries, and almonds can provide food for wildlife.
Insect hotels: Insect hotels provide shelter for beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
Water features: Birdbaths, ponds, and waterfalls attract wildlife to your garden.

Vertical Garden

Vertical gardens are a type of sustainable gardening that allows plants to grow up instead of out. This gardening method conserves space and water and is perfect in small or urban areas. You can create vertical gardens using various materials, including recycled bottles, cans, and plastic containers. Chicken wire and hanging pots are also great for vertical gardens.

Sunlight is one of the most important things to consider when creating a vertical garden. Make sure your plants get enough light by placing them in a sunny spot or near a window. You’ll also need to water your plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks. With a bit of care, your vertical garden will thrive!

Pollinator Garden

A pollinator garden is a sustainable way to support local wildlife and encourage pollination. Planting native plants that pollinators allow you to create a space that is both beautiful and beneficial to the environment.

Pollinator gardens can be any size or shape and thrive in urban and rural areas. They can be as simple as a few potted plants on a balcony or as large as a community garden. No matter the size, every pollinator garden makes a difference for local wildlife.

If you’re interested in creating your own pollinator garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. Choose native plants that are appropriate for your region. Not only will this make your garden more likely to succeed, but it will also attract more local pollinators.

You should also consider the needs of different pollinators when selecting plants. Bees like bright colors and fragrant flowers, while butterflies prefer flat-topped or tubular blossoms in various colors.

Finally, remember that pollinators need more than just food. They also need water and shelter. By providing a variety of native plants, you can create a sustainable habitat that will support pollinators for years.

Compost Pits/Stations

A compost station is a great way to reduce waste and improve your garden! Composting breaks down organic matter, such as food scraps and leaves, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Compost stations can speed up the process by providing the perfect environment for microorganisms to break down the organic matter.

Many types of compost stations are available on the market, from simple DIY bins to fancy commercial units. But they all serve the same purpose: to help you compost your kitchen and yard waste quickly and easily!

Use Locally Sourced Materials

Composted food scraps and yard waste can produce nutrient-rich soil. Mulch combines recycled leaves, grass clippings, and wood chips. You can collect stones from construction projects or natural sources.

Using locally sourced materials is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and support your local economy. You’re not only keeping them out of the landfill but also supporting businesses and workers in your community.

Select Compost Over Chemicals

Compost is an excellent alternative to chemical fertilizers for several reasons. Compost is natural and organic so that it won’t harm the environment. It’s cheaper than most chemical fertilizers and provides essential nutrients for healthy growth. Compost can improve soil structure and drainage and reduce your carbon footprint.

Traditional landscaping often relies heavily on chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. However, sustainable landscaping practices can help you reduce or eliminate your use of these harmful chemicals.

Keep Some Dead Wood

There are many reasons to incorporate dead wood into a sustainable landscape. Deadwood provides homes for insects and other organisms that help decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients into the ecosystem. Additionally, dead wood provides critical habitat for many animals, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

Including dead wood in your landscape also helps to create a more natural aesthetic. You can create a wilder look by allowing some trees and shrubs to die and decay naturally.

Deadwood in your landscape is an easy way to add texture and interest while benefiting the environment. It may be just what your landscape needs! So, think twice the next time you consider removing a dead tree or shrub.

Keep Your Landscape Healthy and Sustainable

The goal of sustainable landscaping is to protect the environment. Once you have created your healthy and sustainable landscape, it is vital to maintain it. Depending on your landscape type, your landscape will thrive for years.

Are you ready to take action with your eco-friendly landscaping ideas? Contact our landscape design team today!