Sustainable Landscape Design Tips and Ideas
Traditional landscaping is often pictured with lush greens – that which unfortunately demands heavy use of resources such as energy and water.
These days, property owners are becoming more welcoming of a landscape that is as attractive and functional, but a lot more environmentally-friendly.
The American Society of Landscape Architects describes sustainable landscaping as responsive to the environment, re-generative, and can actively contribute to the development of healthy communities.
A sustainable landscape aims to conserve energy and cut back on waste. Keeping the design simple and making sure everything is low-maintenance is key.
You need not sacrifice beauty for function as you can achieve both. If you’re ready to create your own sustainable yard spaces, here are few tips you can use to get started.
Look into the Big Picture
Make plans for the entire landscape to ensure that all outdoor elements you’re incorporating work harmoniously. This way, you avoid making mistakes that could result to increased maintenance costs.
Consider Longevity
A sustainable landscape design doesn’t only look good when it’s new. It will sustain its charm even after many years of use. Win-win if you’re considering reselling the property in the future.
Think Function
Ensure convenient flow of traffic and easy access to all areas in the yard. Make steps and pathways wide enough and slip-resistant.
Get rid of clutter. Before investing in any outdoor furniture, think first if you’d be able to make good use of them.
Work with the Environment
Lessen use of impervious materials for your outdoor flooring. Look into the permeable paving system, for instance. Permeable pavers help reduce runoff as water seeps right through the gaps between pavers.
A rainwater reservoir can also be installed under the pavers. Water collected can be used for your landscaping needs, such as delivering water to a backyard pond.
Adopt more water-saving practices such as mulching. In the drought survival guide published by the Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Department by Stanford University, mulching is described as a landscape survival essential during drought season.
Ensure Cost-effectiveness
Look beyond the installation cost and consider as well the overall maintenance cost. As the Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series by the University of Minnesota puts it, the lowered ongoing maintenance costs of a sustainable landscape means considerable savings throughout the life of the landscape.
Don’t Forget!
A successful sustainable landscaping project requires teamwork. Coordinate closely with your landscape designer and contractor. Communicate your needs. Once the project is completed, you’d get to spend less time maintaining your yard, and more time just enjoying it.
