Landscaping is an essential part of residential and commercial properties. It helps increase the property’s curb appeal and increase its value. It also helps improve the property’s air quality and the usability of the lawns.
Landscape design is among the most essential things to pay attention to when landscaping. That is the arrangement and modification of hardscape and softscape features in the yard.
Designers usually use concepts like balance, proportion, transition, and harmony/ unity. However, as environmental concerns and trends continue to spread, more people are looking for sustainable landscaping.
Sustainable landscape design is an approach that utilizes various techniques to create functional and thriving landscapes that benefit the environment. While people might think that all landscaping is good for the environment, below are some characteristics that make sustainable landscaping stand out.
- It does not require chemical fertilizers or pesticides to thrive
- Conserves water
- Is energy efficient
- Reduces rainwater runoff plus polluted local waterways
- Offers a habitat for wildlife
- Is usually low-maintenance
Erosion Control
When many think about erosion control, they think of ideas like riprap, sandbags, and silt fences, which are not the most attractive in a landscape.
However, designers can use ideas like retaining walls, swales, rain gardens, terrace gardens, dry creek beds, ground covers, and French drains. These control erosion without sacrificing beauty.
Erosion control ensures property owners retain the fertile soil in their yards for healthier crops. It also helps minimize water contamination from rainwater runoff, which carries dirt and contaminants like toxic pesticides and fertilizers to water bodies.
Without erosion control, the runoff would also result in dead fish and other water animals, increased water levels, and cancellation of many water recreational activities.
Native Plants
Native plants occur naturally in different areas and adapt better to an area’s conditions because of continuous evolution over time. However, non-native plants don’t naturally occur where they are planted but are introduced by humans.
Therefore, native plants can grow well without much human aid, while non-native plants require fertilizers, pesticides, and a lot of maintenance. That means having native plants reduces the need for using chemical growth aids.
Below are other benefits of adding native plants to a landscape design.
- They are less invasive
- They have deep root systems, which help save water and reduce runoff plus erosion
- They preserve biodiversity and promote the ecosystem
- They are resistant to weather conditions
Permeable Hardscapes
Hardscapes like patios, walkways, driveways, and fire pits help diversify the lawn and increase its usability. Designers can use river rock, pea gravel, porous asphalt, decomposed granite, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, and pervious concrete.
These porous materials’ primary benefit is letting rainwater seep into the ground. That helps maintain a lush and healthy lawn and reduces runoff.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscape landscapes need little to no water to thrive, meaning they don’t have plants that require a lot of water or grass. Local rainfall is usually enough to keep them hydrated.
These landscapes typically consist of mulch, sand, permeable hardscapes, and drought-tolerant plants.
The primary advantage is that it helps save water, translating to lower utility bills in the long run. It also encourages biodiversity, reduces the use of chemicals, and is low-maintenance.
Many landscape designers combine Xeriscaping and rock gardens because they also require a minimum water supply and are low-maintenance.
Grasscycling
This is natural grass recycling by leaving grass clippings in the yard after mowing. The grass clippings decompose and release essential nutrients to the soil, acting as organic fertilizer.
It helps reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and reduces green waste generation. The grass clippings also act as mulch, which helps reduce water usage.
Composting
This is where homeowners add waste like grass clippings and organic kitchen waste to compost bins. The waste decomposes and is used as organic fertilizer in the lawns, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.
The compost also acts as a mulch, reducing water use, reducing weed growth and preventing erosion. Finally, it helps promote soil texture, especially in places with clay soil, making it easier for water and air to infiltrate.
Water Conservation
Homeowners can do this by harvesting rainwater, installing irrigation systems, and digging wells.
Calimingo is among the highest-rated landscaping companies serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. They work with well-trained and experienced landscape designers, contractors, and pool builders helping clients achieve their unique outdoor designs.
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