The grass is always GREEN

By Patricia Belser

Whenever we think of eco-friendly architecture, building and renovation, we often forget that our landscaping can have an enormous impact on how efficient and sustainable a home is in the long run. With the growing cultural emphasis on conservation and environmental awareness, “going green” is a term you often here. Applying it to your landscape and gardens not only makes literal sense but can also give you a beautiful and harmonious addition to your home. Applying green principles to your outdoors is fundamentally about using sound gardening principles and the use of materials in their most natural form. The following is a list of ideas that will help you create an eco-friendly landscape that will complement green home design.  Incorporating even a few of these tips will help you save energy and water, and also reduce environmental contamination. 

Equipment & Landscape Accessories

Use energy efficient & non-polluting reel or electric lawn mowers
Although gas-powered mowers are coveted as a great time-saving device, there are alternatives that are cleaner, non-polluting and more energy efficient. Modern reel mowers are a great way to mow and get exercise at the same time. For larger lawns opt for a non-polluting electric mower.

Solar powered landscaping lights will help cut down Energy use Even though solar energy can still be expensive for a lot of homeowners, using a few solar powered landscaping lights can help to reduce your overall energy use. 

Always compost!
Composting occurs naturally in the great outdoors and is a process that keeps organic nutrients cycling from soil to plants and back to the soil.  You can apply the same principles by composting organic waste from your home to return needed nutrients to the soil. Everything from fruit peels, to grass clipping and leaves are great materials to compost and mix into garden soil. The numerous benefits of Composting include: (1) Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers Reducing municipal waste, (2) Improving soil moisture retention, (3) Boosting plants’ immune systems, and (4) Reducing municipal waste.

Gardening Practices

Organic gardening basics
Organic gardening focuses on building up the soil, creating a natural balance, using native plants and plants appropriate for your garden, One easy way to start is to grow a small organic kitchen garden using your compost, adding only non chemical fertilizers. It is a great way to save money and live in a sustainable way.

Mulch.
Using a thick layer of organic mulch to cover your garden beds helps your garden retains water, prevent weeds from growing, and will contribute added nutrients to your soil. Mulch also cools the soil and encourages the presence of beneficial soil organisms like earthworms.

Grass-recycle.
When lawn trimmings or garden scraps are thrown away, the nutrients they contain are lost. When you leave the clippings on the lawn you not only provide ready-made organic mulch that will break down into fertilizer, but you’ll also save time and energy in bagging them up. Additionally, you reduce stress on your local municipal landfills.

Aerate the ground.
Soil naturally compresses over time, which can make it difficult for roots to get established. In a balanced environment, worms and soil bacteria work to reduce soil compaction.

Plants

Use native plants in your landscaping
Native plants are adapted to your region, so they naturally hardy generally require less maintenance and water than exotic plants. They are also more resistant to pests and diseases than many exotics, reducing the need for pesticides. Additionally, native plants attract native wildlife and beneficial insects. The U.S. EPA’s Greenacres Program is a great place to look for information on using native plants.

Introduce companion plants.
In Nature you will rarely see fields taken over by a single plant. This is because different plants often work together and provide mutual benefits. For instance, garlic and roses – these two plants protect each other from different insects. And some plants act as sacrificial bait – the plant hyssop placed near cabbage will draw cabbage moths away. However keep in mind that insects are still a valuable part of a garden, you can encourage beneficial insects while discouraging harmful ones by creating balance in your garden.

Trees and Your Environment

Trees are the master plant of the earth and the benefits of planting, saving and maintaining trees are essential to our ecosystem. They are not only beautiful but essentially they are the lungs of the planet, they breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Mature trees can absorb roughly 48 pounds of CO² a year. The tree in turn releases enough oxygen to sustain two human beings. Trees reduce urban runoff and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. The USDA reports that 100 mature trees can reduce runoff caused by rainfall by up to 100,000 gallons! Trees also absorb sound and reduce noise pollution; studies have shown that a well planted group of trees can reduce noise by up to 10 decibels. Additionally, trees shade asphalt and reduce what is known as the “Heat Island” effect.

Trees help save energy
Planting trees can also help cool your home in the summer. According to The Arbor Day Foundation the overall effect of the shade created by planting a healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day! In the winter, trees can act as windbreaks for your home and will help you save on heating costs. The Journal of Horticulture claims that saving on heating costs can reach as much as 25 percent!

Plant Deciduous shade trees to reduce energy use
Planting deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves in the fall) can help cool your home and reduce your air conditioning costs during the summer. When these trees drop their leaves, they also allow sunlight to warm a home or building during the winter. To help shade your home during the hottest months of the summer plant tall trees on the east and west-facing sides of your house.  

Plant Evergreen trees to block cold winter winds
Evergreen trees can create a natural windbreak to reduce cold winter winds. It’s common to plant trees for windbreaks on the north and west sides of a home. However, you will need to determine the dominant wind direction for your area and plant upwind. 

Plant and maintain trees to increase your property values mature trees add considerably to a homes value, in addition homes with trees are more attractive to both visitors and potential buyers.

Water

Convert to drip irrigation systems
Drip irrigation systems (micro-irrigation systems) deliver water directly to your plants with minimal waste.

Use barrels to irrigate
Rainwater is naturally soft water that is basically chemical-free.  Using rainwater also reduces municipal storm water runoff and reduces your water bill.

When to water
Water in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation. Never water on windy days.

Use “Xeriscaping” in your landscape
Xeriscaping has been mainly associated with the arid landscapes of the Southwestern U.S.; however its main concepts are applicable to all gardens and landscapes. They can be green, cool landscapes full of beautiful plants maintained with water-efficient practices. The basic ideas of Xeriscaping are the use of efficient irrigation systems, low-water use plants, reducing turf grass, and creating water-wise garden designs. Advantages include:

• Lower water bills; Xeriscaping landscaping incorporates seven basic principles which lead to saving water- Planning and design, Soil analysis, Practical turf areas, Appropriate plant selection, Efficient irrigation, Use of mulches, Appropriate maintenance
  
• Less time and work needed for maintenance, making gardening more simple and stress-free
  
• Little or no lawn mowing (saves energy)
  
• Xeriscape plants along with proper bed design tends to take full advantage of rainfall
  
• When water restrictions are implemented, Xeriscape plants will tend to survive, while more traditional plants may be unable to adapt.