5 Eco-Friendly Landscape Design

You’ve swapped out incandescence light bulbs for LEDs and natural lighting, you’ve even installed solar panels on your home and Energy Star appliances in your kitchen. That’s all good. Each of these efforts make for an eco-friendly house, but you can’t forget about creating an eco-friendly landscape, too.

Considering residential consumption represents nearly a fourth of North America’s total energy use and the average homeowner spends thousands of dollars a year on utility bills, the exterior square footage is a piece of your property that simply cannot be ignored. A home isn’t completely “green” until the yard is, too! That’s right. Certain landscape designs are more environmentally-friendly than others.

To provide a little relief for the planet (and your pocketbook), we have put together five practical tips to save money, time and stress while making your landscape eco-friendly, ecologically rich, energy-efficient, and attractive to potential buyers.

Shrink Your Energy Footprint

Take a new approach for your yard as you learn how to make a positive difference without making major investments and enhance your property value at the same time.

1. Plant Native

Use plants that grow naturally in your region. A palm tree, for example, serves no ecological purpose in states with cooler temperature climates and requires a lot of maintenance to keep alive. Native plants not only thrive in their natural habitat, but they are also beneficial to bugs, birds and small animals to help keep nature in synch.

Not sure which plants are native to your area? The U.S. EPA’s Greenacres Program is a great place to look for information on using native plants for home landscaping.

When you’re showing your home, consider labeling as many plants as possible so the buyer will know the name and be able to research their growing needs. This relatively simple effort can have a powerful effect on persuading a buyer’s decision, whether they have a green-thumb or not.

2. Use Trees for Shade

Plant deciduous shade trees to reduce energy use by cooling your home naturally during the summer and allowing sunlight to warm your home in the winter. To maximize the benefits of deciduous trees (those that drop their leaves in the fall), plant tall trees on the west and east-facing sides of the house to block solar heat during the hottest months of summer.

Energy.gov provides additional tips for landscaping for shade.

3. Plant Trees to Block Winds

To create a natural windbreak, plant evergreen trees on the north and west sides of your home (or determine the dominant wind direction for your area and plant upwind). Evergreen trees, when combined with a wall or fence, can deflect wind up and over your home. But, be careful not to plant evergreens too close to your home’s south side if you need to allow passive solar heat from the winter sun to heat your home.

As an added bonus, windbreak trees also provide a barrier form sights and sounds. They are an aesthetically pleasing landscape element that potential buyers will love.

4. Be Wise with Water

Now is the time to identify any irrigation issues, leaky faucets or plumbing problems and fix them. These water-wasters not only wreak havoc on your water bill, but they’re also an instant turn-off to potential buyers (and Mother Earth).

Convert to drip irrigation (micro-irrigation) systems that deliver water directly to your plants with minimal waste. Compared to traditional sprinkler systems that are only about 50-70 percent efficient, drip irrigation systems can be up to 90 percent efficient.

You can also cut back on water use by storing water in rain barrels. The water can then be used to irrigate your landscaping. Since rainwater is naturally soft water (and chemical-free), plants love it. Find out more information on using rain barrels for water collection.

5. Shine the Light on the Details

You use LED lighting inside, why not light up your lawn the same way? LED consumes up to 90% less power than incandescence bulbs and they also require less maintenance. Double money and time. Save more energy and use LED fixtures in landscape lighting whenever possible: pool lighting, fountains, and landscapes.

Enhance Property Value With An Eco-Friendly Landscape

Your yard can make a positive difference for the environment and on your property value. If you’re looking to sell your home, curb appeal helps potential buyers form their first impression (adding up to 10% to the value of your home). And most buyers are looking for a home that’s energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly (including the yard).

See, you can go green without having to drastically change your lifestyle. Simply embracing one of the above sustainable landscaping tips to get started today!