Landscaping is not only an investment in your property but also an opportunity to increase sustainability in your community. Sustainable landscaping practices can reduce water usage, improve air and soil quality, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Here are some ways that landscaping can increase sustainability in your community:
- Incorporating native plants: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and require less water and maintenance than non-native species. They also provide food and habitat for local wildlife, which can help to maintain biodiversity in your community.
- Using permeable materials: Traditional hardscaping materials like concrete and asphalt can create runoff and contribute to water pollution. By using permeable materials like gravel or mulch, you can allow water to filter into the soil, reducing runoff and recharging the groundwater. These materials also contribute to soil stability and decrease the amount of dust and runoff that clogs our drainage systems and decrease air quality without the increased use of water typically seen in seeding or sod.
- Save the Bees: Many Colorado Native plants help to sustain the populations bees and other pollinators necessary to our ecosystem.
- Using natural pest control methods: Chemical pesticides can harm beneficial insects and contribute to water pollution. By using natural pest control methods like companion planting or introducing predator insects, you can reduce the need for pesticides and maintain a healthy ecosystem in your yard.
- Reduce Sod or implement smart watering systems: As many cities are requiring reductions in the amount of water used, our regions’ water limits and restrictions are not going away anytime soon. Getting ahead of the curve now will increase the value of your home and save you time and money in the future when demand for water-wise changes go up.
By implementing these sustainable landscaping practices, you can help to reduce your environmental impact and improve the health of your community. Additionally, sustainable landscaping practices can help to inspire others in your community to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
