What is Sustainable Landscaping?

Have you ever heard of sustainable landscaping? It might sound strange to say that caring for your yard and its plants isn’t already sustainable. Isn’t plant life inherently green and good for the long-term health of the environment? Yes, it is. Sustainable landscaping is just the best way to provide for the long-term health of the environment and consumes less finite resources.

This is just one of the many benefits of sustainable landscaping, and if you want to learn more, the experts at Pioneer Landscape Centers can help you.

What is Sustainable Landscaping About?

At its core, sustainable landscaping involves creating outdoor spaces that are beautiful, but also practical in a way many landscapes aren’t. You may not realize this, but you use a lot of resources to maintain your yard. It’s possible to frontload the resources you use so your landscaping projects – long-term and short-term – don’t require so much maintenance and resources.

This style of landscaping is all about finding a way to respect the environment and Mother Nature by using environmentally friendly practices. You get to create an aesthetically pleasing space just like before while minimizing the impact on the environment and supporting biodiversity.

How Do You Landscape Sustainably?

The main benefits of sustainable landscaping are its environmental responsibility, low maintenance needs, and cost-effectiveness. By doing so, you promote environmental conservation, reduce water usage, minimize waste, and support biodiversity. 

There are a variety of practices you can use to create a sustainable landscape. Here are some examples of sustainable landscaping:

• Native plants: When you use native plants, you use plants that are actually from Arizona and Colorado. They have already adapted to the local environment and do not require more water and care than a plant from another state. There are also boundless local and online resources that provide information about the plants from around both states. Resources they require less of to live in your yard include fertilizers and pesticides, so your materials will last longer. 
• Xeriscaping: How and where you plant the vegetation of your landscape affects how many resources it uses. Xeriscaping involves designing landscapes that require minimal irrigation. Depending on your lawn, this can mean placing plants in specific areas on a hill, under trees, near natural water sources, and more.
• Rainwater harvesting: One of the most useful, reusable (and free) resources available to us for use in landscaping is rainwater. First, you spend the time upfront installing rain barrels and/or cisterns to collect rainwater from around your property. Then, you use the water for irrigation purposes. This reduces reliance on municipal water supplies and conserves water resources. 
• Permeable surfaces: Instead of using traditional concrete or asphalt on your property, consider using permeable materials such as gravel or pavers. These allow rainwater to filtrate into the ground, replenishing groundwater and reducing stormwater runoff.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This involves using more environmentally friendly approaches to manage pests. Some pesticides and herbicides hurt more than the invasive species you want to keep out. Consider biological controls like beneficial insects first and then organic pesticides as a last resort, reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals.
• Bee-friendly gardens: Speaking of beneficial insects, bees are incredibly useful for the environment. Planting flowers and shrubs that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies helps support their populations and ensures the pollination of plants in your landscape.

Contact Your Local Pioneer Landscape Centers for the Materials You Need 

By making these special efforts, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape. It will not only look great but also minimize your impact on the environment. Sustainable landscaping is a great way to do your part in protecting our precious planet while still creating an outdoor space that's both relaxing and enjoyable for all! 

So if you're looking to beautify your outdoor space while also helping the environment, consider sustainable landscaping for your next project. With a little bit of planning and care, you can create an outdoor oasis that will last for years to come. Contact our experts today for more information.