Two Tips For Creating A Sustainable Landscape
Posted on: 2 December 2017
The term "sustainable landscape" may seem like an oxymoron since plants are a natural element in the world. However, many homeowners engage in problematic practices when it comes to their yards and gardens that can hurt the local ecosystem and cause other issues with the environment as a whole. If you want to ensure your yard is as green as possible, here are two tips for creating a sustainable landscape:
Use Local/Native Plants
Possibly the best thing you can do to protect your local environment and ecosystem is to only put local and native plants in your yard. It's common for homeowners to put plants from other states and even other countries in their yards because they look nice. The problem is, though, that foreign plants can create a whole host of problems in your yard and for the local environment as a whole.
One example of this is when a plant called Beach Vitex that's native to Asian countries was planted on North Carolina coastal properties. Not only did the Beach Vitex hurt the native plants, but it also hastened soil erosion in the area because this plant doesn't have the extensive root system needed to hold onto sand and soil.
In addition to supporting the local ecosystem, native plants typically require fewer resources (e.g., water) to maintain. Therefore, it's a good idea to consult with a landscaper or other plant professional to learn what the local flora and fauna are and select items from that group to add to your yard.
Install Solar Whenever Possible
Although outdoor lighting is necessary for safety and security, that doesn't mean you must go the traditional route and install lighting that requires batteries or a connection to an electrical outlet to operate. You can save a lot of money and reduce your carbon footprint by putting in solar-operated lighting.
With this type of lighting, the devices spend all day absorbing energy from the sun and then use the stored energy to power themselves throughout the night. These lights can be set on a timer and operated just like any other electrical device to save you even more time and money.
The only drawback is the lights need to be placed in an area that gets lots of sunlight. Additionally, depending on where you live, the lights may not get enough sun during the winter months to power themselves throughout the entire night. You can mitigate this by getting hybrid solar lights that use their stored energy first and then tap into a battery or the electrical grid when that energy runs out.
For more information about creating a sustainable landscape, contact a local landscape design company like Wilson Garden Center & Landscaping.
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