Sustainable landscaping is a straightforward paradox. On the one hand, sustainable means that what you’re doing now, you can keep on doing. On the other hand, because one’s property evolves as your landscape changes (Ex. plants grow, plants die, you change your mind, etc.), a sustainable approach allows for great flexibility. Here are some examples.

When it comes to what you’re doing now that you can keep doing, there are some simple components to this process. One area of great concern is regarding fossil fuel usage. As we all know well, gas prices can fluctuate and increase greatly. A property that minimizes or is independent of fossil fuels for management purposes would be more sustainable than one that is reliant. Likewise, a variety of chemicals are often used to (attempt to) remove weeds, insects, fungi and various other unwanted organisms. A sustainable approach reduces, replaces or avoids using such chemicals in order to make the property safer and more environmentally synchronized for all that use it. Finally, sustainable landscaping takes a long-term approach to creating beauty and practicality. Rather than use annuals that need to be replanted every year or choosing a plant that only serves to make a green hedge, a sustainable approach would opt for perennials that come back yearly or plants that can provide a hedge and flower at some point during the growing season. Therese are some of the many ways that one can create long-term, constructive design processes.

The second, slightly paradoxical approach in sustainable landscaping is to create spaces that have long-term value as well as flexibility. For example, if your neighbor has a tree growing across the fence, a sustainable approach would be to plant plants that might have to tolerate some shade at some point rather than only sun-loving plants. If a property has drainage issues, a sustainable approach may be to create a small rain garden or even a pond to control any runoff rather than invest in more expensive infiltration systems that bury or divert water away from the property. Even if you are a lawn-lover, a sustainable approach would be to plant a small tree to block the western sun and reduce summer irrigation needs so that the lawn can be easier to enjoy. These are just some of the many ways that sustainable landscaping can create long-term but flexible options for your property.

If you are curious to learn more about sustainable landscaping, feel free to keep reading through the FAQs or contact ECOworks to find out how you can make your property more sustainable.