 Sustainable landscaping is defined as landscaping with a consideration towards the balance of the local climate, minimal resource consumption, the avoidance of toxic chemicals and the conservation of water. There are many things that go into sustainable landscaping and a large part of it is proper landscape construction.
EnviroCitizen.org suggests that you determine your short and long-term goals for your sustainable landscape. Take your time while drawing up your landscaping plans. This will help you to make realistic goals and choose the best possible eco-friendly choices over time. A great short-term goal might be to begin conserving water or start composting. Composting locally grown crops, yard waste and kitchen waste and then later returning the product to the landscape increases organic matter in the garden.
A long-term goal might be to create a completely sustainable landscape and self-sustaining garden. This should include all aspects of plant maintenance, proper plant selection and resource consumption reduction.
When you begin your sustainable landscape construction, EnviroCitizen.org suggests that you consider a few important things :
- How can the space best be used ?
- What are the site conditions? Is there a need for renovation ?
- What is the timeline and what is the budget ?
- How much time will be needed to maintain the landscape? Is it maintainable ?
- Visually, what look would you like to achieve ?
- What are the plant and landscape needs ?
Sustainable landscape construction should take many different things into consideration. The lot, home size, locals and budget all play into the design process. You can do the design work on your own or you can work with a professional. The design process generally includes a base plan, site inventory and analysis, construction documents, implementation and maintenance.
Consider the necessary 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.
- 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 burlaped or bareroot material.
- Install drainage system if needed.
- Construct masonry and wood projects.
- Install bedding plants, ground covers and turf areas.
- Maintain the landscape.
Soils, compost and fertilizer also play large roles in sustainable landscaping. Your soil choice should depend on what you are planting. Native plants are the best bet for sustainable landscaping. They easily grow in local soil conditions. However, many non-native and native plants are quite hardy, developing a healthier root system with the addition of soil supplements.
Changing the structure on the top 8 to 12 inches of the soil is a slow process. Some organic materials, such as grass clippings, decompose quickly and do little to change soil structure.
EnviroCitizen.org strongly supports sustainable landscape construction. If you are in search of tools and supplies for sustainable landscape construction check out our wide selection of eco-friendly landscaping and gardening tools.
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