7 Ways Homeowners Can Use Landscaping To Boost Their Green Credentials

7 Ways Homeowners Can Use Landscaping To Boost Their Green Credentials

Some people might think that by simply having landscaping as the core element of their garden they are doing ‘their bit’ to support green issues and to protect the environment. The simple fact is that many of them will not be. We are not suggesting that they are deliberately setting out to increase their carbon footprint and to pollute the environment, but rather that merely having landscaping is not enough in itself.

In fact, there are some types of landscaping and some features that homeowners might insist upon being included in their new garden by their landscapers that, rather than helping the environment, do the complete opposite. Simple examples include lighting that is powered directly by the property’s electricity supply, water features that use water directly from the property’s water supply, and also using manufactured gardening products such as synthetic fertiliser.

These three are a minute proportion of the surprisingly large number of ways residents of New South Wales inadvertently and unknowingly make environmental matters worse rather than better. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways that New South Wales’s homeowners CAN use landscaping to boost their green credentials, and to prove that statement, here are seven of them.

Use Permeable Hardscaping

Hardscaping is the hard surfaces on which you will walk such as pavers and patios. One way to boost your green credentials which will save water is to switch to permeable hardscaping. This allows water to soak through to the soil beneath it. Non-permeable hardscaping such as concrete causes water to pool and evaporate or it runs off to an area that does not require water and thus the water is wasted.

Choose Only Native Plants

It seems logical that if you are creating a landscaped garden in New South Wales you would use plants that are native to the state, but many people do not for some reason. The benefit of using native plants is that they are likelier to thrive in the local conditions, are more in tune with local wildlife, and require minimal maintenance so fewer pesticides, fertiliser, and less water are used.

Insist Upon Recyclable Materials

If you are discussing landscape design with local landscapers from New South Wales, remember you can ask for whatever materials you like within reason. That means you insist upon the landscaping being created from recyclable, reclaimed, and reusable materials throughout. It is also best if these are sourced locally as it means less transportation which reduces carbon emissions.

Use As Many Organic Resources As Possible

For every item or resource you need to manage, care for, nurture, and maintain your garden there will be a natural or organic option and a non-natural or synthetic option. In all cases, unless there is a very good reason not to, you should be opting for the organic options. This includes using natural pesticides, compost and mulch, to name but three.

Capture Rainwater

Water is a precious resource when it comes to preserving the environment, which is why capturing rainwater on days when it rains makes perfect sense. Placing a rain collector at the base of downpipes that drain water from your home’s roof is one option that will conserve water for later use.

Create Compost

There are few actions you can take that will enhance your green credentials more than creating compost for your garden. Not only does it mean recycling many items such as food scraps that would otherwise end up in landfills, but it creates a natural source of nourishment and moisture for plants in your garden.

Utilise Solar Energy

Anything that avoids using the power from the grid is a plus which is why we highly recommend utilising the many hours of sunshine that we see in New South Wales. This can be used to power lighting in your garden, and if your garden is big enough you could even install solar panels for powering the irrigation system and gardening tools.