More Americans than ever are voicing environmental concerns. A poll by Pew Research found that 63% of Americans believe climate change is having adverse effects on the environment.
Despite the growing awareness of environmental concerns, many people still don’t know what steps they need to take to actually help the planet. Some people appreciate the importance of making obvious changes like switching to solar power. However, there are other steps you should take if you want to lead a truly sustainable lifestyle. These include the following eco-friendly landscaping tips.
Implementing eco-friendly landscaping ideas in 2022
There is no disputing that environmental awareness is at an all-time high in 2022. And if you’ve been keeping up with the latest climate science over the past few years, you know how important each of us is in keeping the environment sustainable for generations to come. Climate change affects everything from the seasons to our food supply and poses an existential threat to many species.
Recent climate science has shown that the planet will warm significantly by the turn of the 22nd century. And while many of us won’t be there to see if the science was right, that doesn’t mean we should all sit back and do nothing about it.
The carbon content is at the highest level ever measured. And since temperature increases always follow carbon increases, it’s only a matter of time before we all live in a very different (and much warmer) world. But fortunately, even your landscape can help create a more sustainable environment.
If you’re looking for a way to help Mother Nature and keep your property looking good, here are some tips on how to style your property the natural way.
Plant native grasses and plants
While you may love the look of Bermuda grass or exotic plants, removing plants and grasses from their natural habitat actually creates a problem in many ways.
First, exotic plants and fats have difficulty adapting to local soil. Second, local insect and animal populations are not adapted to this type of vegetation. And third, they require a different amount of rainfall and relative humidity to thrive.
Some benefits of native grasses and plants are as follows:
- Provides a habitat for beneficial native wildlife
- Adapted to local rainfall levels (no additional irrigation required)
- Naturally resistant to local pests and diseases
- No need for fertilizer
When choosing the right plants for your landscape, consult with your local gardener to learn what plants and flowers are native to your area. And during routine lawn care, tell your lawn man to take extra care of your native flora.
use mulching
Mulching is an environmentally friendly technique used across the country and is extremely healthy for your lawn. However, many homeowners are unaware of the eco-friendly benefits that come with using mulch.
Mulch actually helps regulate soil temperature and helps the soil retain much-needed moisture. In addition, this helps keep plants alive and healthy and reduces weed growth in flower beds. And organic mulches like bark, pine straw, leaves, and wood chips have many other benefits.
Organic mulch, for example, also breaks down over time to return valuable nutrients to the soil. And this reduces your need for harmful chemical fertilizers, which can leak into groundwater, eventually polluting streams and rivers throughout the local watershed.
Because grass is perhaps one of the most needy living organisms to use water, adding mulch around your yard as a landscaping technique can reduce your water use by up to 50 percent year-round. So not only do you use less water, you also save money.
Use terracing on slopes
Slopes can cause significant problems on any property. Not only does rain cause runoff and soil erosion, but it can also weaken your home’s foundation. But you can also use hillside locations to your advantage by terracing.
Essentially, terracing is about leveling the area at the bottom of the slope into a leveled bed where you can plant native grasses and other plants that will act as a buffer against runoff and soil erosion. These areas are perfect for local wildflowers, herbs, mulch and other native plants to enhance your lawn with.
Flat planted areas allow rainwater to seep into the ground instead of flowing downhill. And perhaps the greatest benefit of patios is that they keep your lawn hydrated, allowing you to reduce your water consumption during the planting and growing season.
In addition, terracing with local grasses and flowers beautifies your property and attracts local bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial pollinators that can help keep the local habitat healthy and functioning.
Follow the right eco-friendly landscaping tips
There are many steps you can follow if you want to live a sustainable lifestyle. One of the most important things you can do is make sure you use eco-friendly landscaping techniques. The ones listed above will make a big difference.
All in all, there are a multitude of ways to style your p[ropery both beautiful and environmentally sound. And the more techniques you incorporate, the better off your property will be when it comes to supporting the local environment. Remember, we all have a part that we can play in keeping a sustainable environment, and one of the best ways is to start right at home.