The earth sustains and supports life. Without it, we would not be living today. With this in mind, it makes sense for us to nurture and support our planet. Some of us decide to have a landscape installation in our yard. So, what better way to do this than through landscaping and lawn care at our homes?
Each of us can play a role in preserving the earth. Here are three practical steps you can take to improve your impact on the environment through your landscaping. Continue reading about sustainable lawn care!
- Organic Lawn Care
Having a Sustainable Landscape Certification and a love for the outdoors, I am especially tuned in to what we can do to enhance our planet. One of the first things that come to mind is the use of organic and bio-nutritional products for your lawn. These products improve the soil by promoting and sustaining the natural organisms in the soil, which help the plant naturally fight off diseases and insects. In addition, better soil creates a healthy deep-rooted grass plant that can withstand drought and heat stress more effectively. Furthermore, without using pesticides the natural pollinators and beneficial insects remain to do their part in keeping your lawn healthy.
- Using Native Plants
Another important area in which we can make a difference is in the choice of plants for our home landscapes. Native trees, shrubs, and perennials provide many benefits. A great resource is the Conservation Landscape Guideline from the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council. One of the most important benefits of choosing native plants is the increased biodiversity. These plants support the animals, birds, and insects native to our region. For example, nut trees like oak, walnut, and hickory provide an important food source for many birds and animals. Early flowering tree species like crabapple, serviceberry, and cherry are a critical source of pollen for bees in the Spring as well as providing fruit for various birds. Evergreen trees like spruce, fir, hemlock, and holly provide ideal nesting sites for many songbirds. Flowering shrubs like rhododendron, azalea, sweet spire, and clethra are important for pollinating bees and butterflies. Many native perennials also provide pollen for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Red bee balm, for example, is especially attractive to hummingbirds.
- Strategic Landscape Design
How we use the plants in our landscape also has an impact on the quality of our environment. Creating riparian buffers along stream corridors helps to reduce erosion and improve water quality. As a homeowner instead of allowing the water to drain directly onto the street or storm drain you could install rain barrels to capture and reuse this water. In addition, by planting rain gardens or bioswales you can filter the water running through your property and improve our environment in the process.
In summary, we all have an impact on the earth in what we do. A simple yet effective way to preserve and support our planet is to follow lawn and landscape practices that create a healthy sustainable environment.