- Contributed by Brian Fleming, a leading landscaper in Durango, CO.
Landscaping can have a beautiful effect on your property. Landscaping projects can be very expensive to implement. They can also be expensive and difficult to maintain as well. You can either hire a landscaper - which can still save you money in the long run - or plan your own landscaping project.
Here are five tips to an environmentally and budget friendly yard:
- Irrigation
- Mulching
- Proper location of your plants
- Use recyclables for decor
- Grow local and edible plants
Irrigation
You can either use a drip irrigation system for garden spots and beds or you can get an automated timing sprinkler system. Either will reduce your water bill and wasteful watering. You should water your garden and lawn in the morning. Doing so will help your plants retain moisture. Watering at night promotes mold to the roots because the moisture will not evaporate. Watering will almost fry your plants during the day from the sun’s rays.
Mulching
Mulching can help prevent weeds and helps reduce the amount of water needed to keep plants moist. You can use a mulch lawn mower or just rake the clippings and make compost. They make great fertilizer also. Consider adding to your compost left over fruits, veggies, and coffee grinds for recycled fertilizer.
Proper Location of Your Plants
Planting in the proper location can save on home bills all year round. You can combine your planting efforts to save on housing bills. A shade tree can keep your house cooler in the summer months. A deciduous can keep your house warm in the winter months by allowing the sun through to heat your home. An evergreen will help block strong winds from cooling your house down.
Use Recyclables for Decor
To make a beautiful outdoor scenery, consider making your own flagstone, patio, or walking path. You can simply use leftover brick or broken concrete. You can find these supplies for free or at a reduced price. You can even line your flower beds with alternate colors of brick.
Grow Local and Edible Plants
Growing plants in their own natural habitat is cost effective because they are already used to their environment like the current soil and temperature. You’ll also want to plant edible fruits, vegetables, and herbs to not only add a variety of color and texture to your yard, but also save you money from buying the items at the grocery store. It is also healthier to grow your own organic garden.
