Green Landscaping Ideas

Going green is really starting to enter the mainstream as the problems caused by inefficient energy use and other human-made blunders are becoming readily apparent. It may seem like an overwhelming issue where the actions of one person do little, but if a lot of people make little changes, we can make some real progress. As the saying goes, think globally but act locally.

When it comes to landscaping, there are lots of easy ways for you to be more eco-friendly, while still having an attractive landscape.

Use Native Plants

Because these plants grow naturally in your area, they are perfectly adapted to the environmental conditions; they will require less water and less maintenance. Being non-invasive, they will not do anything to upset the balance of the ecosystem. Native plants also serve as a great shelter for birds and other animals important to the ecosystem.
Compost

Composting is a great way to put your garbage to use. Even organic matter takes longer to break down in a landfill. Using it to nourish your plants is a much better way to dispose of it. You can make your own compost or purchase it. You simply need to mix it in with your existing soil, where it will help retain water and promote the growth of organisms that will help your plants thrive.

Here are a few tips for do-it-yourself composting: avoid animal fats, pet waste and any type of animal product; newspaper and plain white computer paper are good—do not forget to shred it first; coffee grounds make great compost material; make sure you have a good mix of nitrogen and carbon producing substances, such as grass clippings, food scraps, manure, dead leaves, hay, woodchips and newspaper.

Promote Natural Pest Control

You spend painstaking hours keeping your plants looking beautiful and it is understandable you want to minimize assaults by pesky insects. Using pesticides is tempting as it is easy and effective, but if you want to make a greener choice that also supports local wildlife, consider getting bird feeders and bat houses; they will be all too happy to take care of those pesky invaders for you!

Choose More Efficient Forms of Irrigation

Besides using native plants to cut down on water use, how you water your plants and lawn is also an important consideration. A timed sprinkler can help cut back on water use. If need to water a planting bed or a garden, consider drip irrigation where the water will go right to the roots and not to unnecessary areas where it will just evaporate.

Water your yard and plants earlier in the morning when they will use the water most efficiently. Avoid mid-day watering; hotter temperatures means the water will evaporate more quickly, leading you to need more. It is also bad for the plants and grass as the water acts like a prism, intensifying the heat of the sun, which can scorch your plants.

Closing Thoughts

If you are interested in finding ways to be a better friend to the environment, making your landscaping routine more eco-friendly is a great place to start. Any little bit that any one person can do helps and it is never too late to make some changes. Not only will you be helping the planet, your lawn and plants will look and thrive better.