 Whether you choose to go with level green landscaping or rolling green landscaping there are many things you must work through before you can think about plants. When choosing rolling green landscaping construction, one must take into account the future of the landscape when making plans. The lot, home, size, surrounding area and budget will all play a key component in the process of the design. You will have the choice of either designing the landscape on your own or working with a professional. Generally, the design process includes a base plan, site inventory and analysis, construction documents, implementation and maintenance.
EnviroCitizen.org suggests the following steps :
- Obtain permits and locate underground utilities.
- Clear the site of any debris, old sod, weeds, etc.
- Create a rough grade and identify major drainage issues.
- Install drainage system if needed.
- Construct masonry and wood projects.
- Incorporate soil amendments.
- Install metal or wood edging and create shrub borders and planting areas.
- Install sprinkler heads and drip irrigation.
- Plant all one gallon containers or larger including balled and burlap encased or bare-root material.
- Install bedding plants, ground covers and turf areas.
- Maintain the landscape.
After following these steps, you should then consider what options you prefer for your rolling green landscaping. Plant placement is especially important as the design of your rolling green landscape can benefit both you and the environment. The placement of your plants can actually lower your impact on some precious resources. Strategic placement can also help lower your utility bills; helping your home to retain heat or stay cool. You can also conserve water and include natural pesticides.
If you would like to abstain from using pesticides and prefer to naturally lessen the pests in your yard, begin by enticing birds onto your property. Sparrows and other varieties of birds love snacking on insects such as caterpillars and other pests that would naturally eat and damage your plants. A mature swallow can eat its weight in insects in a day while bats can eat the same volume and more of varying types of insects! Also, you may want to consider certain types of plants that will appeal to “good insects” such as ladybugs which feed on aphids and other small, plant enemies.
Another tip you should consider in an attempt to conserve on natural resources, is to collect rainwater and use it to water your garden. A 1 inch of rainfall on a 1,000 square foot roof with eaves and a downspout can collect an average of 600 gallons of water. With the use of a rain cistern system you can collect enough free water for an entire growing season! EnviroCitizen.org offers many green landscaping and gardening tools and supplies for new and seasoned gardener or landscaper ! |
