Top Three Eco-friendly Landscaping Ways

When discussing green architecture, EnviroCitizen.org has found that we sometimes forget that landscaping can have a very big impact on how sustainable and efficient a building or a structure can last in the long run. For instance, even a few trees that are strategically planted can help cool off your home and reduce the energy allocated for air conditioning.

The following is a list of three environmentally-friendly landscaping ways to create a sustainable and green landscape which can greatly compliment a holistic approach to sustainable and green building landscape designs. Adding a few of these green ideas can help save water and energy as well as reduce environmental contamination.

1. Plant Native Plants in your Landscape
When planning you're an environmentally-friendly landscape project, consider a collection of native plants because these naturally require less water and maintenance as compared to exotic plants. These native plants are also more resistant to diseases and pests than other exotics, thereby reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Moreover, native plants can greatly attract beneficial insects and native wildlife. It is not necessary to exclude exotic plants from your garden and yard; you just need to incorporate natives in your landscape designs and this can already make a really big difference.

2. Reduce Energy Use by Planting Deciduous Shade Trees
Planting deciduous shaded trees or trees that drop leaves during the fall season is a great way to cool down your home and decrease on air conditioning costs during the summer season. When the leaves of these trees fall, they allow sunlight to bring warmth to your home during the winter season. To increase the benefits of deciduous shade trees, you can plant tall trees on the west and east-facing sides of your home. This can greatly help bring shades to your home during the warmest months of the year.

Planting these trees on the south facing your house can also bring shade to your roof, as the sun won't directly hit that side of your home, especially during the summer season. Make sure you always prune your trees to allow at least some branches of the trees to shade the roof of your home as well as the air conditioning unit. This adds up to the chunk of savings you can get from a reduced energy bill.

3. Block Cold Winds by Planting Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees are great if you want to create a natural windbreak. This is since the reduction of chilly winds can hit your home during the winter. It is also common to plant evergreen trees for windbreaks on the west and north sides of your home. However, you also need to determine the direction of the wind blowing dominantly in your area.

EnviroCitizen.org suggests you do some additional research or hire a green, eco-friendly landscaping individual prior to beginning your environmentally-friendly landscaping project.