Pros Share 10 Ways to Make a Landscape More Earth-Friendly
See how to make your clients’ yards more resilient, water-wise, wildlife-friendly and enjoyable to spend time in
Many people are ready to make their yards more earth-friendly but aren’t sure where to start. Others might be tackling a barren plot or a complete landscape renovation and would like to incorporate sustainability into their new design. The great thing is, earth friendliness in a garden doesn’t have to be all or nothing to make an impact. Wherever your clients are on their landscape journey, the following 10 tips from landscape professionals can help them on their way.
2. Rethink the Lawn
Look for ways to reduce an existing lawn. “Traditional lawns not only are water-intensive but also require constant maintenance and chemical inputs,” landscape designer Christine Krause says. If homeowners are not ready to eliminate their lawn completely, consider shrinking its size and adding or expanding garden beds around it. Fill in the edges with low-water, wildlife-attracting perennials, shrubs and ground covers.
If they’re ready to lose the lawn, there are plenty of alternatives. Ground covers and low-water grasses, for instance, offer the expansive look of a lawn with less stress on the environment. A meadow garden creates a lush yet casual landscape. Perennials and shrubs teamed with permeable paving add color and design interest. “Opting for alternatives like native grasses, ground covers or permeable hardscape also fosters biodiversity and supports local ecosystems,” Krause says.
Look for ways to reduce an existing lawn. “Traditional lawns not only are water-intensive but also require constant maintenance and chemical inputs,” landscape designer Christine Krause says. If homeowners are not ready to eliminate their lawn completely, consider shrinking its size and adding or expanding garden beds around it. Fill in the edges with low-water, wildlife-attracting perennials, shrubs and ground covers.
If they’re ready to lose the lawn, there are plenty of alternatives. Ground covers and low-water grasses, for instance, offer the expansive look of a lawn with less stress on the environment. A meadow garden creates a lush yet casual landscape. Perennials and shrubs teamed with permeable paving add color and design interest. “Opting for alternatives like native grasses, ground covers or permeable hardscape also fosters biodiversity and supports local ecosystems,” Krause says.
3. Consider the Climate
Choose plants that will thrive where you are. Native plants are a good starting point; choices include ground covers, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees. “They are going to require the least amount of water and maintenance to thrive,” Tenenbaum says.
Plants from regions of the world with growing conditions similar to yours are another good choice. They will adapt more easily to your specific climate challenges, whether those include muggy or wet summers, cold and snowy winters, or drought and desert conditions.
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Choose plants that will thrive where you are. Native plants are a good starting point; choices include ground covers, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees. “They are going to require the least amount of water and maintenance to thrive,” Tenenbaum says.
Plants from regions of the world with growing conditions similar to yours are another good choice. They will adapt more easily to your specific climate challenges, whether those include muggy or wet summers, cold and snowy winters, or drought and desert conditions.
Pros Share Their Top Plant Picks for a Low-Maintenance Landscape
4. Welcome Wildlife
A sustainable landscape makes for a vibrant gathering spot for birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects and wildlife. If you provide food they love and spots where they can shelter, they’ll return the favor by pollinating plants and policing pests.
Landscape architect Natalie Ross of Ross Land Studio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, notes that pollinators and other wildlife creatures can be fussy about what plants they like. “So doing a little research on what animals are in your area and what kind of plants they require is an important first step in planning your garden,” she says.
Start by imitating the natural surroundings. Those same native plants already growing well are a good first choice, says landscape designer and contractor Mark Gile of In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes in Bothell, Washington.
Also look for bee- and butterfly-friendly plant species that do well in your area. Add an insect “hotel” — either a fallen log or a commercially available structure — to give local insects a place where they can stay. Low-growing ground covers, shrubs and hedges also offer great hiding spots for birds, insects and small mammals and reptiles.
Ross suggests placing wildlife-friendly gardens where other people can see and learn from them. “They are a great conversation piece and a good way to talk to [the] neighbors about native plants,” she says. “Put a bench near the garden to allow people to sit and enjoy the colors and activity.”
A sustainable landscape makes for a vibrant gathering spot for birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects and wildlife. If you provide food they love and spots where they can shelter, they’ll return the favor by pollinating plants and policing pests.
Landscape architect Natalie Ross of Ross Land Studio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, notes that pollinators and other wildlife creatures can be fussy about what plants they like. “So doing a little research on what animals are in your area and what kind of plants they require is an important first step in planning your garden,” she says.
Start by imitating the natural surroundings. Those same native plants already growing well are a good first choice, says landscape designer and contractor Mark Gile of In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes in Bothell, Washington.
Also look for bee- and butterfly-friendly plant species that do well in your area. Add an insect “hotel” — either a fallen log or a commercially available structure — to give local insects a place where they can stay. Low-growing ground covers, shrubs and hedges also offer great hiding spots for birds, insects and small mammals and reptiles.
Ross suggests placing wildlife-friendly gardens where other people can see and learn from them. “They are a great conversation piece and a good way to talk to [the] neighbors about native plants,” she says. “Put a bench near the garden to allow people to sit and enjoy the colors and activity.”
5. Add a Water Feature
A small water feature can delight both wildlife creatures, for whom it is a source of clean water, and humans. “Installing a small recirculating water feature is another great way to welcome more life into [a] yard,” Tenenbaum says.
A water feature needn’t be large to be effective. A shallow birdbath, bowl or fountain basin is ideal for birds and insects. (Just be sure to clean it regularly.) Butterflies often prefer damp mud.
For those in drought-prone areas, a recirculating bubbler fountain will minimize water loss while providing the look and sound that people enjoy and the water that wildlife needs.
A small water feature can delight both wildlife creatures, for whom it is a source of clean water, and humans. “Installing a small recirculating water feature is another great way to welcome more life into [a] yard,” Tenenbaum says.
A water feature needn’t be large to be effective. A shallow birdbath, bowl or fountain basin is ideal for birds and insects. (Just be sure to clean it regularly.) Butterflies often prefer damp mud.
For those in drought-prone areas, a recirculating bubbler fountain will minimize water loss while providing the look and sound that people enjoy and the water that wildlife needs.
6. Optimize Watering
Look for ways to water the garden as efficiently as possible. Start with strategic planting. “Be sure to group plants with similar watering needs together in a single hydrozone to save water,” Tenenbaum says. Concentrating plants that prefer regular watering in one garden bed, for example, will allow you to provide extra water in one area without overwatering plants in another area that require less or minimal watering.
Take advantage of an existing irrigation system to nourish water-wise plants as well. “You can swap out plantings for more more sustainable options that need less water,” Tenenbaum says. This will allow homeowners to run the system for a shorter period of time and fewer times a week.
Look for ways to water the garden as efficiently as possible. Start with strategic planting. “Be sure to group plants with similar watering needs together in a single hydrozone to save water,” Tenenbaum says. Concentrating plants that prefer regular watering in one garden bed, for example, will allow you to provide extra water in one area without overwatering plants in another area that require less or minimal watering.
Take advantage of an existing irrigation system to nourish water-wise plants as well. “You can swap out plantings for more more sustainable options that need less water,” Tenenbaum says. This will allow homeowners to run the system for a shorter period of time and fewer times a week.
7. Manage Rainwater
Find ways to capture and manage rainwater runoff on the property. A good way to start is to add rain barrels below downspouts or change out drainage pipes for rain chains. These tools can funnel water underground or into dry stream beds that will allow it to percolate back into the soil.
You also can install larger catchment systems to more effectively drain stormwater on-site. “Incorporating rain gardens, bioswales or permeable paving systems into your landscape design helps manage stormwater runoff and replenish groundwater, reducing the strain on municipal drainage systems and mitigating the risk of flooding,” Northern California-based Krause says. Combine some or all of these approaches to work with the yard’s conditions and the clients’ personal style.
Tip: Before you purchase or install a rain barrel, check local laws. Certain states have issued rainwater-harvesting restrictions.
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Find ways to capture and manage rainwater runoff on the property. A good way to start is to add rain barrels below downspouts or change out drainage pipes for rain chains. These tools can funnel water underground or into dry stream beds that will allow it to percolate back into the soil.
You also can install larger catchment systems to more effectively drain stormwater on-site. “Incorporating rain gardens, bioswales or permeable paving systems into your landscape design helps manage stormwater runoff and replenish groundwater, reducing the strain on municipal drainage systems and mitigating the risk of flooding,” Northern California-based Krause says. Combine some or all of these approaches to work with the yard’s conditions and the clients’ personal style.
Tip: Before you purchase or install a rain barrel, check local laws. Certain states have issued rainwater-harvesting restrictions.
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8. Choose Environmentally Friendly Hardscape Materials
The list of permeable hardscape materials is growing. Some popular options include decomposed granite (DG), gravel, and dry-set pavers and bricks. Porous pavers, which allow water to drain through them, are becoming more readily available and can be a good solution for driveways and patios.
Gile champions earth-friendly decking materials as well. He cites composites made from recycled plastics and wood fibers as a durable and responsible choice. Hardwood is another option, but be sure it is certified as having been sustainably grown. Also check on where and how it was harvested. Whenever possible, choose wood that’s been locally sourced and sustainably harvested.
One excellent alternative to traditional hardwoods is bamboo. “Bamboo is fast-growing and highly renewable,” Gile says.
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The list of permeable hardscape materials is growing. Some popular options include decomposed granite (DG), gravel, and dry-set pavers and bricks. Porous pavers, which allow water to drain through them, are becoming more readily available and can be a good solution for driveways and patios.
Gile champions earth-friendly decking materials as well. He cites composites made from recycled plastics and wood fibers as a durable and responsible choice. Hardwood is another option, but be sure it is certified as having been sustainably grown. Also check on where and how it was harvested. Whenever possible, choose wood that’s been locally sourced and sustainably harvested.
One excellent alternative to traditional hardwoods is bamboo. “Bamboo is fast-growing and highly renewable,” Gile says.
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9. Reuse Materials
Find ways to reuse hardscape materials rather than sending them to the landfill. Old concrete can be broken up and reused, along with granite and stone, to create steppingstones and low walls. Wood chips make a great mulch. Wood in other forms also can get another life. “One-by-6 fence boards are the perfect width for building birdhouses,” Gile says.
Find ways to reuse hardscape materials rather than sending them to the landfill. Old concrete can be broken up and reused, along with granite and stone, to create steppingstones and low walls. Wood chips make a great mulch. Wood in other forms also can get another life. “One-by-6 fence boards are the perfect width for building birdhouses,” Gile says.
10. Compost Waste
Turn food waste into rich soil with a compost bin, tumbler or pile. There are many options when it comes to type and material, including wood and plastic. How much waste material your clients are looking to compost, the amount of work they want to do and how long they’re willing to wait will influence the option you choose.
Once you have a bin or tumbler, find a level spot that is easy to reach but doesn’t necessarily hold a prominent spot in the yard. When the compost is ready, enrich the garden’s soil with it. “Whether you purchase compost from a local retailer or make it in your own bins, you become part of creating a renewable resource for your garden soil,” Gile says.
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Turn food waste into rich soil with a compost bin, tumbler or pile. There are many options when it comes to type and material, including wood and plastic. How much waste material your clients are looking to compost, the amount of work they want to do and how long they’re willing to wait will influence the option you choose.
Once you have a bin or tumbler, find a level spot that is easy to reach but doesn’t necessarily hold a prominent spot in the yard. When the compost is ready, enrich the garden’s soil with it. “Whether you purchase compost from a local retailer or make it in your own bins, you become part of creating a renewable resource for your garden soil,” Gile says.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Ask any landscape pro and they’ll tell you that the first rule of design is having a master plan. But don’t worry if your clients aren’t ready to tackle a full landscape installation or renovation right away. “Once you have a conceptual master plan, you can focus on a specific area to make improvements,” says landscape architect Ari Tenenbaum of Revolution Landscape in Encinitas, California.
Landscape designer Lee Armillei of Athyrium Design in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, shares that philosophy. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” she says. Armillei recommends starting by improving one garden or one area, removing invasive plants, improving the soil and nurturing the space while the new plantings grow and fill in. “When you feel that garden is stable, move on to the next area and nurture that,” she says. “It gives you the best opportunity to combat weeds and get [the] garden off to a strong start.”
You can help clients visualize their planned outdoor space — and how it connects to their home — with the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner. The expanded 3D tool allows pros to create patios, decks, driveways and lawns using a materials library of pavers, ground cover, gravel, decking and pavement. You can also add features like pergolas, fire pits and furnishings.
Find out more about the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner