What Does Sustainability Mean in Landscape Design?
As homeowners increasingly observe the impacts of climate change, many are considering how they can take small steps to reduce their environmental impact. By choosing sustainable landscape designs, they can save money, reduce maintenance, and remain true to their own values.
Sustainable landscaping focuses on function, incorporating design elements that create solutions to problems. For example, water is increasingly becoming a limited resource. Particularly in drought-stricken areas, large green lawns and non-native plants can be detrimental since they demand huge amounts of water. Not only is this expensive for homeowners, but potential water restrictions may prohibit them from accessing sufficient water.
Homeowners should thus consider water conservation when planning their gardens and outdoor areas. Plant choice is the first step. By choosing native and drought-tolerant plants and flowers, homeowners can reduce water demand and create thriving gardens that require minimal care.
Homeowners should also consider installing a drip irrigation system that makes water usage efficient and cost-effective. Running a drip irrigation system on a timer in low-sunlight hours minimizes evaporation and ensures plants receive the nourishment they need without wasting resources.
Rainwater collection also helps minimize potable water consumption. A rainwater harvesting system could be as simple as a 50-gallon barrel positioned under a gutter or as complex as a large system of underground piping and tanks. Whatever the scale, collecting and distributing stormwater runoff can support landscaping needs without taxing city water supplies.
Another tactic for reducing runoff and utilizing rainwater is adding permeable surfaces to landscaping. Stone patios with decomposed granite, for example, allow for the absorption of rainwater into the soil below. Similarly, driveways of stone or gravel utilize rainwater more effectively than cement.
In addition to water conservation, homeowners should make responsible choices about soil. Because soil is a finite resource like water, homeowners should consider utilizing perennials and grasses with deep roots to improve soil quality and decrease runoff. This also reduces soil erosion.
When adding hardscaping elements such as a patio or driveway, homeowners should seek recycled materials whenever possible. With the homeowner’s permission, a landscaper might utilize leftover bricks from another project to line a driveway or use discarded rocks to create a dry riverbed.
Landscaping offers an opportunity to place the home within a larger ecosystem. To attract wildlife and pollinators, homeowners can include plants whose blossoms provide nectar and pollen, as well as trees with edible berries and seeds. Choosing plants with nest-building materials will attract a range of birds, while even a small patio garden with containers of herbs can bring butterflies to the yard.
A sustainable landscape design should also involve minimal waste. A grass lawn requires frequent mowing and produces clippings that typically end up in a landfill. By opting for yards with native grasses, wildflowers, and shade trees, homeowners can reduce the amount of yard waste they produce, in addition to decreasing maintenance costs.
Finally, landscape designers and homeowners might evaluate the impact of their landscape lighting. Light pollution can negatively impact wildlife, interrupting their sleep and nocturnal habits. A landscape design that utilizes low-energy-use fixtures and low-voltage lighting instead of harsh white lights minimizes the impact on animals. Additionally, placing landscaping or security lights on a motion sensor ensures that they are only turned on when necessary.
