Many are looking to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint as pollution continues to be an issue. Cities have recycling programs, homeowners are creating compost piles, and businesses are using sustainable materials as much as possible.
One way that homeowners can consider increasing their home’s eco-friendliness is in their landscaping. Eco-friendly landscaping is growing in popularity and can create a beautiful, sustainable space in your yard.
If you are in Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Lebanon, or other nearby areas of Tennessee, here are some ways you can go green with your landscaping.
Using Native Plants Increases Landscaping Sustainability
When non-native plants are used in landscaping, it requires more resources to keep them alive because they are not proven to do well in that environment. This means more fertilizer, more fungicide, more herbicide—in other words, more chemicals going into the soil.
Native plants, on the other hand, are much more likely to survive the local climate because they have adapted to the environment. They will not require as much maintenance, time, or energy to keep them in good, healthy condition. Using these native plants means that your landscaping will be more sustainable.
Common native plants and trees to our area of Tennessee include:
- Dogwood
- Azalea
- Prairie rose
- Carolina rose
- Hydrangea
- Mountain laurel
- Viburnum
- Oak
- Maple
- And many more!
Consider Limiting Usage of Chemicals in Landscape Beds
Many landscape beds require a balancing of soil when they are first created. Plants need a balance of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to reach optimal health. When first starting off, it may be best for the plants to use a balanced fertilizer. However, once they are established and you want to use less chemical options in an effort to create eco-friendly landscaping, consider using organic fertilizer instead.
Another option is to have a compost pile somewhere in your yard. Composting not only limits waste going to landfills but is also full of beneficial organic matter that can give your plants and soil a nutrient boost.
When it comes to weed control and you don’t want to use herbicides, your other option is to have the weeds hand-pulled. These chemicals can be harsh on the surrounding environment, especially if too many are used.
Install a Pollinator or Butterfly Garden to Benefit Plants & Wildlife
Pollinators, also known as honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, other insects, and even birds, help local ecosystems by taking pollen from plant to plant and helping to enable plant reproductive processes. Without that pollen, plants would be unable to produce fruit or seeds. As the pollinator population faces a decline due to overuse of insecticide and destruction of habitats, they need new, safe places to live.
Pollinator or butterfly gardens can provide that safe place while also beautifying your outdoor space. Bees are attracted to bright, beautiful colors and those same colors will brighten up your yard.
Are you looking to create new, eco-friendly landscaping at your property?
At Master’s Landscape Design, we can help you create a new, gorgeous landscape that is also eco-friendly and sustainable. If you live in or around Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, or Lebanon, reach out to us at (615) 288-2052 to set up an initial consultation.