There is often quite a mental battle between trying to decide if you want to create a beautiful landscape or if you want to be environmental and sustainable. However, you will be pleased to know that you don’t have to choose one over the other. Take a look at just a few of the hundreds of ways you can make your landscaping look great while still looking out for the well-being of the planet.
Low-Maintenance Plants
Many have the preconception that the only plants that can through survive through drought like conditions are the ones that aren’t that great to look at. In reality, beautiful flowers like tulips, marigolds, and pansies still do great in low-maintenance conditions. Picking flowers such as these to populate your landscape design will cut back significantly on the amount of watering you will have to do, as well as the amount of time you spend pruning.
Recycled Material
Rather than buying new materials from a home improvement store, it will help both your wallet and the environment to try to use recycled materials. Look around your property for things that could be used in your landscape design. If you can’t find the right materials, ask neighbors if they have left over material that they don’t need or visit local building sites and see if you can reuse any of their unwanted construction waste.
Plant Trees
Not only are trees beautiful in the spring and fall, but they also can help reduce the energy your home uses if strategically placed. If you want to add a few trees to your landscape design, consider placing them in spots that will benefit your home. By planting shade trees near your house, you can keep your home cooler in the heat without having to turn up the a/c quite as high. For energy savings in the winter, evergreens and other similar trees are great for helping to block frigid winds. With a little research, you can determine the most common direction of the wind in your area in the winter and plant the trees accordingly.
Solar Powered Lights
If you want to add a little glow to your landscape design, solar powered lights are your best bet to make things twinkle while still conserving energy. These easy to find lights soak up the sun during the day and shine bright at night. You can make them come on automatically every night, or choose ones that you can turn on and off at your leisure. This implementation can cut down significantly on your energy usage and create a unique design that you may actually enjoy.
These are just a few small ways that you can make your landscaping eco-friendly. With a little research and discussion with a professional, there are endless options for making your landscaping look beautiful while making a minimal impact on the environment. Start discovering what you can do, your wallet and the environment will thank you!
Written by Robert Thompson, owner of TLC Lawncare& Landscaping, where they are one of the preferred concrete contractors Columbia MO has to offer. When it comes to decorative or stamped patios, TLC is here to help!