3 Steps to Sustainable Landscaping

From LED lights to energy efficient heating and cooling, there are a lot of things to do inside your building to go green. Now that warm weather is here, it’s time go green outside.   

1. Go Native

Landscaping with plants native to your area is a great choice. Native plants require little to no water above natural rainfall and require less maintenance. According to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), these plants also result in fewer pest problems, which helps you avoid the use of chemical pest control. Use the NWF’s Native Plant finder to find plants for your area.
 

If you branch out beyond native, you can still select plants that thrive in your area. Determine your hardiness zone by visiting this interactive map that divides the country based on average winter temperatures. Check with your local nursery or landscape professional to determine which plants grow well in your zone.
 

2. Inspect Your Irrigation System

If your landscaping requires irrigation, now is the time to inspect your current system. Check for possible leaks and repair broken equipment.

Here are some additional tips for irrigation systems:

• Water during cooler times of day
   
• Water as needed rather than running a set schedule
   
• Create zones—grass, flowers and shrubbery all have different water needs
   
• Ensure water is directed at plantings rather than sidewalks or parking lots
   

Green Dealer Support recommends a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses. When compared to systems that spray water into the air, these methods are more efficient as more water is absorbed into the soil and less is lost to evaporation.  

Southern Oregon Subaru in Medford, OR, installed low-flow, high-efficiency sprinklers to irrigate its island lawns. The installation of this system, in addition to watering only at night, has greatly reduced the amount of water the retailer uses for landscaping, lowered the cost of watering and virtually eliminated the chance of run-off reaching the local watershed.

 

The tank shown above stores rainwater, and a pump allows the retailer to use what’s collected to irrigate exterior plantings.

3. Catch the Rain

Do you have a rainwater collection system in place? By capturing rainwater from the roof into a cistern, pond, or holding tank, retailers can use the water for landscape irrigation.

Collecting rainwater can save you money by reducing water costs, and it also reduces the impact on local municipal storm water systems.

Kelly Subaru in Chattanooga, TN, recently installed a roof-top rainwater collection system, complete with a holding tank and pump. This allows the retailer to use the rain that’s collected to water exterior plantings.
 

Once you’ve taken steps to create an eco-friendly exterior, follow the lead of Patriot Subaru in Saco, ME, and apply to have your landscaping recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Find out if your outside landscaping or garden qualifies with this checklist.

Find out what questions to ask when selecting an eco-friendly landscaping professional.