How to Practice Sustainable Landscaping
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, less than 4% of 70% of the water on Earth is fresh, and less than 2% of all freshwater is in lakes, streams, rain, and aquifers.
When people use water, they discharge it back into the atmosphere or ground for reuse. However, since use displaces it back into the atmosphere or pollutes it, we constantly seek fresher, cleaner water. While this practice was sustainable when the Earth's population was smaller, it doesn't work that way today. Here are some tips on how to practice sustainable landscaping.
HOAs Can Do Their Part
Homeowners associations can do their part to protect and preserve our freshwater supply by adopting sustainable landscaping practices.
Sustainable landscaping practices include:
Collecting and reusing rainwater for irrigation
Planting trees that are naturally suited for the environment to provide shade
Collecting and reusing rainwater for irrigation
Using efficient irrigation systems, such as drip lines, reduce evaporation
Calibrating irrigation to match groundwater needs and to account for natural precipitation
Minimizing runoff by creating retention ponds and reservoirs that will release water over time
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping—landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation—is often the first thing that comes to mind when considering sustainable landscaping. However, it's important to remember that xeriscaping is not "zero-scaping." While the term evokes images of gravel and cactus, it doesn't have to be dull or barren. It just needs to be well-planned and maintained.
Materials to Avoid
Avoid non-natural ground covers, such as artificial turf of all types. Also, avoid non-permeable ground covers, such as asphalt and cement or any material that can cause health problems.
Artificial turf has improved over the years, providing a more natural look and feel than some earlier versions. However, it tends to absorb and retain heat more than natural ground and vegetation. It also can contain hazardous chemicals that can get released into the atmosphere.
Irrigation Equipment
When necessary, irrigation equipment should use the current technology to allow remote control, groundwater sensing, and other methods to deliver the required water. Systems should be well-maintained and should be adaptable to the latest equipment.
Provide Support
Give support to plantings that mitigate potential weather-related issues, such as reducing the ground temperature in hot, dry regions, providing wind and snow breaks where relevant. Also, minimize water erosion from beaches, shorelines, and drainage areas.
Educate
It's important to educate homeowners on water-use policies and the simple ways to reduce their daily consumption. Policies should promote sustainable landscaping practices, provide incentives for reducing domestic water used for landscaping, and offer tighter controls on landscape irrigation. Policies also should state that amending these rules is possible in case of a drought or short supply.
Contact Us
Thank you for taking the time to read our tips on how to practice sustainable landscaping. Need more assistance? Contact us today! We have property managers that can you help create a greener living environment.
