Whether you call it Earth-friendly, eco-conscious or environmentally preferable, the pitch to “go green” has some people feeling a little green in the gills. But despite all of the hype and the “green-washing,” most elements of the movement are actually down-to-earth — especially when it comes to landscaping. Considering that Earth-conscious approaches conserve your own resources of energy, time, money and good health, creating a greener outdoor living space seems even smarter.
In the grand scheme of things, all homeowners and landholders are stewards of a piece of the planet. But that sentiment may be too altruistic to really motivate most of us to try new tactics. Human nature tends to be rooted in the here and now; we’re more willing to save the Earth if it clearly benefits our own private world. The great news is that most eco-based measures are easier, cheaper and/or faster than traditional approaches, making green yard care a logical way to grow. It’s a win/win for human nature and Mother Nature.
Green goals
Whether you’re dealing with green construction materials, consumer goods, energy sources or landscaping, the same ecological factors apply. No matter what region you inhabit — the rainy Northwest, the arid Southwest, snowy New England or the tropical Gulf states — smart yards are made of materials and designs that are:
• Resource-efficient — They conserve water, fuel and other natural resources.
• Sustainable — They last a long time without added resources or care.
• Renewable — The raw materials can be replenished.
• Locally available — Products and materials come from nearby sources, saving on transportation resources.
• Recycled/recyclable — Materials have had and/or will have another life.
• Energy-saving — The manufactureof materials and the installation and operation of the products require little or no fuel.
• Low-maintenance — Minimal up-keep consumes less of your energy and time or added materials.
• Clean — Manufacture and use of these products prevents pollution of the air, water and soil.
Eco elements
Pampering the planet doesn’t force you to turn your front yard into a nature preserve or limit plant selections to native prairie grasses or cactii. With smart planning and appropriate additions, you can make the environment your ally in creating beautiful grounds.
Many green landscaping measures involve water conservation (called xeriscaping) and storm-water management. Here are some wallet-friendly, labor-saving and eye-pleasing ways to enhance your yard.
Rain gardens — To accommodate storm water that’s diverted from rooftops, driveways and other nonpermeable surfaces, create a shallow basin-shape garden featuring trees and low-maintenance perennials. When planning a rain garden, consider these key points:
• Call 811 to have underground utilities marked before you dig (as you should with any excavation project).
• Choose a location that will catch natural runoff and that’s at least 12 ft. from any structures or septic systems.
• Design the size and shape of the garden to fit the space available; 50 to 100 sq. ft. is a good size. Dig a basin about8 to 12 in. deep, mounding some of the soil along the downhill side of the garden. (This helps to slow any overflow from the garden during heavy rainfall.)
• Loosen the soil in the basin, amending it with sand and compost if it is poorly draining clay.
• Plant hardy vegetation that can withstand fluctuations in moisture. (Check with your state or county agricultural extension office or a local nursery for ideas.) Add mulch and rocks (which help to filter the water) and enjoy.
Dry streambeds — Another attractive, low-maintenancelandscape feature is a dry streambed, or arroyo. Also built to channel storm-water runoff, a dry streambed is most helpful for a sloping yard and pairs well with a rain garden to divert polluted runoff away from your house, keeping it from rushing into municipal storm drains and natural bodies of water. For more information about constructing a dry stream see “Stream of Consciousness.”
Rain barrels — A typical 1,200-sq.-ft. roof sheds more than 200 gallons of water with each 3/10 in. of rainfall, according to LakeSuperiorStreams, a water-quality-research partnership. Beyond the primary concern of keeping all that water away from your house’s foundation, consider the benefits of collecting that water for your yard’s vegetation.
Capturing the rain from your roof in a barrel (see bottom photo, opposite) or a cistern provides a significant water supply for plants during summer’s dry spells. You can buy a rain barrel made of recycled plastic or make your own from a recycled whisky barrel or heavy plastic food-grade barrel. You’ll want to learn more about constructing and using a rain barrel before you take the plunge, but here are some basic tips:
• Choose a container that holds at least 50 gallons and is sturdy, clean and food-safe. (Even then, collected water is not potable for people or pets.)
• For safety, it’s important to cover the barrel securely and include 1/8- to 1/4-in.-mesh screening to keep out debris, insects and critters.
• Attach an overflow hose (1-1/4-in. dia.) in the upper portion of the barrel, and make sure that it drains away from the house’s foundation.
• To catch the gravity-fed water flow, place the barrel on a spot that is higher than your garden area and on a stable base, such as concrete blocks.
Green roofs and other permeable surfaces —Another way to harness storm water is with a vegetated green roof. Although this is not a project most homeowners can easily incorporate into an existing home, it is still worthy of mention. Besides reducing runoff, this modern take on an ancient concept helps to insulate the interior of the building and purify the air.
Also consider reducing the areas of your yard that are covered by impervious surfaces such as concrete. You can “greenscape” bituminous driveways and patios using a plantable mesh or with paver tiles that allow water to reach the soil beneath.
Water-savers — Efficient irrigation can reduce your water bill (or save wear and tear on an existing well). Follow these suggestions:
• Water plants early in the morning, when they benefit most from hydration — and before the sun and wind have a chance to evaporate the airborne moisture. Water only as needed, not on a preset schedule.
• To help retain moisture in the soil, add a layer of mulch to planting beds, gardens and trees. (For the right way to do this, see “Mulching Matters,” opposite) Described as “a young tree’s best friend” by the National Arbor Day Foundation, mulch offers multiple benefits that help a newly planted tree to thrive. It protects plant roots from severe temperatures and blocks the growth of weeds, making life easier for plants and gardeners.
• Conserve water (and labor andfertilizer) by planting hardy, drought-resistant grasses and perennials. Also locate plants according to their needs for water and sunlight. Periodically aerate the soil to help it absorb the water and fertilizer you supply.
Planting — To reap a multitude of green benefits, one of the best steps you can take is plant a tree (or a few). Besides filtering pollutants from the air, trees also provide habitat for wildlife. Best of all, they improve your habitat as well. Position trees to break the winter winds and to provide summer shade. The locations and species you choose make a huge difference in energy savings.
Use annual (hothouse) plants sparingly. Once established, perennials are low-maintenance, and over the years they sprout additional plants for free.
For new grass, seed is cheaper and more resource-efficient than sod. Also, limiting lawn area means less mowing (reducing fuel use and emissions), less fertilizer and less water use. Plant drought-resistant perennials (or food-source plants) instead.
Timing is important: Plant grass, trees and perennials during optimum growing times (typically fall or spring). Plants will be established faster and require less water and care.
Hardscaping — Besides adding interest to a landscape, retaining walls also help to prevent water runoff and soil erosion and provide supporting areas for plants. To build retaining walls (or patios), use native (locally available) materials, preferably stone or pavers rather than wood. An alternative to stoneis pressure-treated wood or rot-resistant species certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
A patio made of native stone with spaces between the slabs is attractive and natural-looking, and it allows water to filter through the soil. For a ground-level deck, use composite decking or FSC-certified pressure-treated lumber. Create “instant shade” (and save on cooling costs) by installing a pergola to shield the house from sunshine in the summer. Conversely, you can tap the sun’s energy by incorporating solar light fixtures in your landscape.
Growing and mowing — Another resource at your disposal is garbage. Kitchen scraps (such as vegetable peels, eggshells and coffee grounds), grass clippings and leaves can greatly enrich the soil and nurture a greener landscape. (For advice on making and using compost, see Web Extras, “Microbe Medicine.”)
Another nonsynthetic supplement for your plants and lawn, called Worm Poop, is not only made from waste (yes, worm waste) but also packaged in waste. The manufacturer, TerraCycle Inc. (see SOURCES), packages all of its plant-food products in used soda bottles and milk cartons — an idea that’s about as green as it gets.
Before you feed your plants, learn their nutritional needs. With a soil test, you can avoid underfeeding or overfeeding (and overspending). Too much of any nutrient will wash away and become a pollutant. Follow manufacturers’ application recommendations (time of year, time of day, weather conditions), and be careful to keep fertilizer from drifting onto surfaces other than your lawn.
Once your grass is growing green, mow it green. Reducing the area of your lawn saves wear and tear on your mower and conserves fuel, time and effort. Effectively maintain the lawnmower’s engine to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Better yet, consider a human-powered (reel) mower.
Applying Earth-friendly approaches to your landscape will not only nurture the environment but also offer immediate and long-term benefits for you, your family and the neighborhood. The savings in terms of your time, effort, money and health give these global-scale concepts a personal relevance, providing ample motivation to keep heading toward ever-greener pastures.
Sources
Black & Decker, (string trimmer) 800-544-6986
Colorado WaterWise Council (Xeriscape Colorado)
LakeSuperiorStreams (rain barrels, etc.)
Malibu Lighting, (815) 675-7000
Neuton Power Equipment 800-929-8401
PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) 800-395-2522
Rain Gardens of West Michigan
Rain Water Solutions Inc., (919) 835-1699
Remington Power Tools, 800-626-2237
Soil Retention Products Inc., 800-346-7995
Sunlawn Inc., (manual mower) (970) 493-5284
TerraCycle Inc. (Worm Poop), (609) 393-4252
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency