As the world grows increasingly concerned about climate change, an increasing number of people have started adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. And rightly so! However, many people still don’t realize that these practices can also be applied to landscaping and gardening.
In fact, it’s the perfect place to start. When you’re out in nature or walking through your neighborhood, it’s easy to see just how much damage humans are doing on a daily basis—from littering to excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers (which often end up polluting our water supply).
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can help change this by incorporating eco-friendly landscaping methods into your garden or yard.
Here are 15 ways that will help make your outdoor space more sustainable:
| Sustainable Landscaping Practices Takeaways |
|---|
| Incorporate native plants in your outdoor space to reduce water usage and support local ecosystems. |
| Mulching can help reduce weed growth, retain moisture, and improve soil quality. |
| Proper irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and hand watering can help conserve water. |
| Composting can help reduce landfill waste and provide nutrient-rich soil for your plants. |
| Using natural pest control methods like companion planting and beneficial insects can reduce the need for harmful pesticides. |
Composting
Composting is a natural process that involves the decomposition of organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into soil.
Composting is not only good for the environment because it reduces waste going to landfills it also helps create nutrient-rich soil for gardening and landscaping!
Composting can be done in your own backyard. One easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is by starting a compost pile at home.
This will help you get rid of food scraps from your kitchen that might otherwise end up in landfills (where they emit methane gas).
It’s very simple: just find an area on your property where there is room for a large container or bin, fill it with organic materials like leaves or grass clippings once or twice per week, turn it over regularly with a shovel so that everything gets mixed together evenly (this process breaks down any large pieces), and let nature do its thing!
You should see results within three months or so (though some types of compost may take longer).
Sustainable landscaping is more than just a trend, it’s the future of gardening. By implementing eco-friendly practices, you can reduce your carbon footprint and create a healthier environment for yourself and those around you. Learn more about how to get started with sustainable landscaping today.
Minimizing Pesticide Use
Pesticides can be toxic to the environment, and they’re also toxic to humans. Pesticides kill beneficial insects, and they can kill plants as well. Fortunately, there are alternatives that don’t involve using pesticides at all.
For example, growing plants in containers will help you keep them away from unwanted pests without resorting to chemicals or sprays.
You could also use mulch instead of pesticides on your garden beds around trees and bushes mulch is a great way of absorbing moisture while providing organic matter for the soil beneath it!
Another alternative is using a biological control method such as ladybugs or nematodes (microscopic worms) instead of chemical ones like pesticides when dealing with smaller pests like aphids or mites that would otherwise take over your garden if left unchecked by other means.”
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Companion Planting | Planting certain plants near each other can repel pests and attract beneficial insects. |
| Beneficial Insects | Introducing ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects can help control pest populations. |
| Natural Pesticides | Using organic or natural sprays made from soap, oil, or garlic can repel pests without harming beneficial insects. |
| Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | A pest control approach that uses a variety of methods, including physical barriers and pest-resistant plant varieties, to minimize pesticide use. |
| Prevention | Keeping plants healthy through proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning practices can help prevent pest infestations. |
Using Natural Insecticides
We all know that pesticides are bad for the environment, but what about insecticides? They’re used to kill insects and pests, which can be beneficial for your lawn and garden. But it’s important to use natural insecticides in place of chemical ones whenever possible.
Natural insecticides are made from plant oils and extracts instead of toxic chemicals like pesticides, so they won’t harm the environment or your family’s health.
An example of a natural insecticide is neem oil: This essential oil comes from an evergreen tree in India that’s been used as an herbal remedy since ancient times.
You can buy neem oil at most gardening supply stores; it comes in liquid form or as a concentrate spray that you mix with water before applying it on plants or soil.
Neem oil kills various types of pests such as aphids, mites, thrips (small insects) and whiteflies and it works by poisoning their digestive systems once ingested by these bugs!
If you’re new to sustainable landscaping, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Fortunately, our beginner’s guide to sustainable landscaping can help. From choosing the right plants to conserving water, we cover everything you need to know to create a beautiful and eco-friendly outdoor space.
Permaculture
Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature. It aims to create sustainable human environments through the use of natural elements and processes. In other words: it’s about maximizing the use of resources and minimizing waste.
For example, a permaculture garden might have three types of fruit trees: one that produces apples in the springtime; one that produces pears in the summertime; and one that provides shade for vegetables during the late fall months when there aren’t many leaves on its branches.
It also includes plants like mint or dill so you can make tea from them without having to buy tea bags from your grocery store (and thereby contributing to more plastic in our landfills).
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that uses plants and techniques that require little water. Xeriscape’s goal is to reduce the amount of water needed for your lawn, and it can help you save money on your utility bills.
Xeriscaping has several benefits:
- It’s environmentally friendly because it conserves water resources by only using what you need for your lawn.
- It makes your yard more attractive by eliminating the need for excessive watering or maintenance.
Sustainable landscaping isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for your community too. By planting native species and using eco-friendly practices, you can create a healthier environment for yourself and your neighbors. Learn more about the benefits of sustainable landscaping for your home and community today.
Mulching
Mulching is a well-known and widely used practice to reduce water loss, maintain optimal soil temperature, deter weeds and pests, add nutrients to the soil and improve overall appearance of your landscape.
Mulch can be made from many different materials including wood chips, bark, straw, peat and wood ash.
However you choose to apply it there are several benefits of mulching your plants:
Weed control – Groundcover plants benefit greatly from being mulched during their establishment phase. This will prevent the growth of weeds between the plant’s roots which will compete for nutrients with them.
In addition it helps keep moisture in the soil underneath which will result in healthier plants that are less susceptible to disease or insect damage such as aphids when compared with those not covered by mulch where these threats may thrive.
| Material Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Wood chips | Retains soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and improves soil quality. |
| Grass clippings | Adds nutrients to soil as it decomposes, and can also suppress weed growth. |
| Leaves | Helps retain soil moisture and slowly releases nutrients into the soil. |
| Pine straw | Acidic and helps suppresss weed growth while providing some nutrient value. |
| Cocoa shells | Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth, and has a pleasant chocolate scent. |
| Recycled rubber | Durable and helps retain soil moisture, but is not biodegradable. |
Planting the Right Plants in the Right Places
Native plants are a good place to start. They’re well suited to your soil and climate, they require less maintenance and they can help prevent erosion.
Consider what you have time for as well as any potential water restrictions in your area before planting anything.
Even if you don’t live in an arid zone, it’s important to make sure that your landscaping doesn’t use excessive amounts of resource-intensive water during drought conditions which can be especially challenging for homeowners who rely on wells or municipal sources that are drying up from overuse.
Making your landscaping practices more sustainable doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are many surprising tips and tricks that can help you save money while still helping the planet. Check out our guide to sustainable landscaping to learn more.
Rethinking Your Grass
Next time you’re faced with the decision to plant grass, consider some of these alternatives:
Native grasses. These are native to your region and don’t require as much water or fertilizer as non-native varieties. Go for native varieties of grass if you’re concerned about their drought resistance and overall sustainability.
Naturalistic ground covers, such as creeping thyme, pachysandra and sedum (popularly known as “stacked stone”), add beauty while requiring little maintenance.
Ground cover plants are often used in combination with mulch to help prevent weeds from growing through them. This can be an appealing option if you want something low-maintenance but still want some color in your yard or garden bed!
Rain Gardens, Bio Swales and Rain Barrels
Rain gardens, bio swales and rain barrels are all methods of catching and purifying rainwater.
They’re also called low-impact development projects because they can help you save money on your water bill by reducing the amount of stormwater runoff that needs to be treated before being released back into a local stream or river.
Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the ground that collect urban runoff during rainstorms; bio swales (or bioswales) are shallow drainage ditches with vegetation growing in them; and rain barrels are essentially plastic containers that capture rainfall from rooftops.
The three practices work in conjunction to filter out pollutants like oil and dirt before they enter waterways.
Just like plants on land filter pollutants out of soil through photosynthesis, plants used in these types of systems will remove contaminants from runoff as well and since they’re planted right where they’ll do the most good (near where people live), it’s easier for homeowners to keep tabs on them than if those same plants were stuck way out at some remote farm somewhere!
Creating an eco-friendly outdoor space is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home more beautiful. But where do you start? Our guide on creating a beautiful eco-friendly outdoor space has everything you need to know, from choosing the right plants to selecting the perfect outdoor furniture.
Incorporating Native Plants into Landscapes
Incorporating native plants into your landscaping can bring a number of benefits to your garden. Native plants are well suited to the local climate and soil, so they require less water, fertilizer and pesticides than their non-native counterparts. They also tend to be more resistant to pests and diseases that may affect them.
You’ll also attract more pollinators when you use natives and that’s good news for people who want to grow food!
When you plant non-natives without considering whether or not there are any beneficial insects in the area that rely on those plants as food sources, you’re limiting yourself unnecessarily by cutting off one of nature’s best pest control options: native bees (like honey bees), butterflies and other pollinators.
| Plant Name | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Coneflower (Echinacea) | Attracts pollinators and butterflies |
| Wild Indigo (Baptisia) | Resistant to pests and drought |
| Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) | Attracts monarch butterflies and other pollinators |
| Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) | Low maintenance and drought-resistant |
| Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) | Drought-resistant and provides habitat for wildlife |
| Genus Juniperus | Resistant to pests and disease |
Green Roofs and Green Walls
Green roofs and green walls are a great way to save energy and water. They help keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so you can reduce your need for air conditioning and heating.
Green roofs also reduce stormwater runoff, which improves water quality, flood control, erosion control, streamflow augmentation and fish habitat.
Green walls are an easy way to add greenery to an otherwise barren wall area (or any other spot you choose). They’re incredibly versatile: they can be built into homes or offices; they’re a perfect complement to balconies or patios; they can even be used as standalone planters!
Recycling Materials in Landscapes/Gardens
Recycling materials in landscaping is another way to create a sustainable garden. As well as reducing waste, recycling also increases the aesthetic appeal of your garden and will help you make the most of what you have.
Here are some ways that you can reuse materials:
- Use old pots as planters for herbs or smaller plants. This is great for those who want their gardens to look tidy but don’t have a lot of space available.
- Use old concrete slabs as patio surfaces or sitting areas around your home. These can be rinsed off before using them again so they don’t add any mess or dirt onto your patio area!
- You can use old tires as planters for succulents or ornamental cacti if they don’t need too much water (this works best in dry climates). Just cut holes into them first so they won’t collapse under their own weight when filled with soil!
Water Fountains, Ponds and Waterfalls
A water fountain, pond or waterfall is a great way to attract wildlife and they can also be used for irrigation. Waterfalls can be used to cool the environment through evaporation and ponds are large surface areas that absorb heat from the sun.
If you’re looking for something more subtle, consider adding a small rock cairn in your landscape design.
This will create microclimates in the area around it so that plants will grow better than they would have otherwise. You can also add gravel or pebbles under your plants to help with drainage if necessary!
Eco-Friendly Lighting and Maintenance Equipment
LED lights: If you’ve ever seen the movie Cat in the Hat, then you know that young children can be a little destructive. That’s why it’s important to use energy-efficient light bulbs that don’t break easily. LEDs are great for this because they don’t heat up as quickly and can last for years without being replaced.
Solar powered lights: If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional floodlights or spotlights, consider getting solar powered ones instead! This way you’ll reduce your carbon footprint even further by not having to rely on your local power grid anymore.
Solar panels: Another great way of reducing your environmental impact is by investing in some solar panels which will help power all of your home electronics without having any negative side effects from pollution (except maybe fewer greenhouse gases).
These days there are even more affordable options available than ever before so there really isn’t any excuse not trying them out yourself!
| Product Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Echo Yard Equipment | Battery-powered and fuel-efficient lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and hedge trimmers. |
| LED Outdoor Lighting | Energy-efficient, long-lasting outdoor lighting that uses up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. |
| Solar-Powered Landscape Lighting | Outdoor lighting that charges during the day with solar panels and automatically turns on at night, reducing energy costs. |
| Rain Barrels | Collect rainwater and reuse it for watering plants, reducing water usage. |
| Composting Toilets | Waterless, odorless, and eco-friendly toilets that turn waste into compost. |
| Rechargeable Batteries | Reusable batteries for electronic tools and equipment, reducing waste. |
Conclusion
There are many ways to be more sustainable in your landscaping, and the list of options is constantly growing.
Here we’ve outlined a few of our favorite sustainable landscaping practices that can help you reduce waste, save energy and water, and beautify your property while doing good for the planet.
Further Reading
Here are a few additional resources that you may find helpful when it comes to sustainable landscaping:
Sustainable Landscape Design Ideas: Check out these creative ideas for making your landscaping more sustainable, including rain gardens and integrated pest management techniques.
15 Projects That Showcase Sustainability Through Landscape Design: This article showcases 15 projects from around the world that use innovative landscape design to promote sustainability.
Sustainable Landscaping: What It Is And How To Achieve It: Learn more about sustainable landscaping and how you can implement eco-friendly practices in your own outdoor space.
FAQs
What is sustainable landscaping?
Sustainable landscaping is the practice of designing and maintaining outdoor spaces in a way that is environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and socially responsible.
Why is sustainable landscaping important?
Sustainable landscaping can help reduce your carbon footprint, conserve water, and create a healthier environment for yourself and those around you.
What are some examples of sustainable landscaping practices?
Examples of sustainable landscaping practices include using native plants, reducing water usage, composting, and using natural fertilizers and pest control methods.
How can I make my landscaping more sustainable?
There are many ways to make your landscaping more sustainable, including planting native species, reducing your water usage, composting, and reducing your use of fossil fuels when maintaining your lawn.
Are there any financial benefits to sustainable landscaping?
Yes! Sustainable landscaping practices can help you save money on water bills, fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel costs. Additionally, a sustainable outdoor space can increase your property value and save you money on maintenance costs in the long run.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a landscape designer in Los Angeles. I’ve been working with homeowners and businesses to help them improve the look of their properties for over 10 years.
