Nowadays, it seems as if every brand and initiative is €going green.€ Landscaping has a direct connection to and impact on the environment and thus is no exception. Not only does green landscaping help the environment overall and foster innovation in the shaping of your outdoor space, but it also saves costs for homeowners due to lower energy use on heating and cooling even indoors. Green landscaping is multifaceted, and appropriate action varies based on region and climate. This article will detail five common and effective techniques that can help you landscape more sustainably.

1. Plant native species. Species of plants that are native to a specific area promote local wildlife by providing food and habitat. These natives are naturally adapted and able to thrive in your region. Be sure to ask an expert whether or not the native plant is invasive, because this could cause a lot of problems for your landscape.


2. Reduce waste. Reducing waste can be manifested in various ways. Starting to compost is one way that is renewable and recycled and provides soil that is very nutrient-rich. This includes wasted food as well as lawn waste, such as twigs and leaves that homeowners tend to bag. Other ways to reduce waste include but are not limited to buying mulch and other products in bulk and recycling plastic pots from your garden.


3. Manage water effectively. There are many alternate routes in effective water management. Harvesting rainwater is simple, easy, and environmentally friendly. It is as basic as collecting runoff from the roof in barrels. Drip irrigation systems minimize the amount of water needed by plants through watering at the root. These are just two examples of how you can manage water effectively to reduce waste and, accordingly, cost.


4. Minimize the amount of chemicals you use. Before using and fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides that contain chemicals, test your soil to make sure that these products are actually necessary. If they are, use the smallest amount of chemical nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers needed, because runoff from these can add pollution to water, and lawns can be burned by excess nitrogen.


5. Use green materials. Materials such as concrete, bricks, stone, mulch, and wood are common, and it is beneficial to look carefully before you make a purchase. Some products are water-porous, for example, which allows water to be recycled back into the land rather than becoming runoff. Other examples of instances of green materials include broken or reused concrete, as standard concrete has a manufacturing process that is heavy in carbon dioxide. Treated lumber products tend to bring toxins, and stones from inland rather than near bodies of water are more environmentally friendly.

The benefits of green landscaping are extensive. Increasing the environmental friendliness and the sustainability of the landscape reduces pollution in the air, water, and soil and nurtures local wildlife. Additionally, doing so increases efficiency, saving energy, money, and time. Implementing a selection of these five techniques, among others out there, can have a highly positive impact for your Nashville home.