Sustainable landscaping is becoming a popular term in the fight against climate change. But what is it? And how can we protect our environment?

Sustainable landscaping refers to a broad term that covers a variety of landscape design, construction and implementation practices. These can be used for residential or commercial landscapes. It is the strategy of making use of all elements in the landscape to create healthy landscapes. It preserves resources and reduces waste. Sustainable landscaping includes the cultivation of the right plants at the right locations, using compost and mulch, and employing natural fertilization and pest management.

By reducing pollution, energy consumption, and storm water runoff, sustainable practices can help to protect the environment. They also create wildlife habitat and strengthen local ecosystems. These benefits are both economic and ecological. Sustainable landscaping can increase property values, lower irrigation costs, and provide unique aesthetic appeal.

The major environmental benefits of sustainable landscaping are

  • You will need less maintenance. Sustainable landscapes are made up of primarily native plants that can thrive in the local environment. This means your property requires minimal human intervention and less use of toxic materials and polluting power equipment.
  • Longer life. A healthy landscape is one that has a balance ecosystem. Native plants attract pollinators, native insects and other creatures. This helps to sustain the ecosystem and contributes to a greater environmental benefit over a longer time.
  • Reducing water consumption. Healthy soil with the right balance of nutrients, materials and organic content is essential for a sustainable landscape. It will absorb and retain water better and minimize runoff, which can attract disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes.
  • There is minimal need to use pesticides and fertilizers. Healthy soil is rich in micro- and macro organisms, which feed off decaying biomatter. This balance helps reduce the need to use pesticides and fertilizers.
  • Green waste. Use of green waste. Compost made from dead plants, stems, leaves, and leaves is a natural fertilizer. Mulch made from ground-up woody materials provides an attractive barrier to weeds. It also helps soil retain moisture and protects root systems.
  • Conservation of energy, water and resources. Sustainable landscapes require less watering, less tilling and more maintenance. This reduces the need for long-distance transportation and other polluting resources.

Here are some ways to make the environment more sustainable to combat climate change and create a better environment.

  1. Know your landscape. This is crucial for making informed decisions about your plants, soils, water, wildlife, and other property resources. Knowing your location is essential for applying the other principles.
  2. Make sure your soil is healthy. A fertile, healthy soil is essential for plant growth. It supports microorganisms and makes plants more resistant to disease and pests.
  3. The right plant is the one for the job. The plant should be placed in an area where it can survive. Most homeowners will respond by adding water, fertilizers or pesticides to the plant. This will save you money and time.
  4. Reduce waste and recycle nutrients Composting and recycling grass clippings can reduce the need for fertilizers and other soil nutrients and also eliminates inefficient yard waste disposal at commercial facilities.
  5. Protect and attract wildlife. Research has shown alarming declines of some songbird species and other wildlife affected by urbanization.
  6. Manage yard pests responsibly. You must be responsible in managing yard pests.
  7. Water wisely Reduce wasteful practices, and use water efficiently for landscapes and lawns at home can increase water availability for wildlife and other community members.
  8. Prune and mow responsibly. Proper mowing and pruning can reduce pesticide, fertilizer, and water use, while keeping plants healthy, resistant, and resilient to disease.
  9. Prevent landscape pollution. To ensure environmental stewardship, prevention of pollution is crucial. This includes constant monitoring to make sure that all water sources are free from pesticides and fertilizers, fuels, animal waste, and other contaminants.
  10. Stormwater runoff can be reduced. Stormwater runoff can be controlled by preventing storm water from leaking onto neighbouring properties or into waterways. This can help to prevent flooding, erosion, water pollution, and recharge groundwater supplies.

Our natural environment is directly or indirectly responsible for everything we need to survive and thrive. Sustainable landscaping is about creating and maintaining the conditions that allow humans and nature to co-exist in harmony.

Moodscapes uses only the most sustainable practices and materials to enhance outdoor living. Contact the organic landscaping experts at Moodscapes to learn more. Download our FREE eBook, 10 Common Gardening Mistakes That Hurt the Environment.