Sustainable landscaping is about improving or working with the environment to create a landscape that is in balance with the local climate.

It needs minimum amounts of soil-conditioner, defoliants and water.

There are many different levels of sustainable landscaping, the best way to get involved is to just start somewhere by setting short and long term goals.

A modest aim could be having the compost bin.

A much better way could be creating a sustainable area where harmful chemicals are eliminated for good.

Here are 10 tips to create a more sustainable landscape on your piece of paradise:

1. Shrink Your Lawn

Large areas of your open turf takes a big lot of your soil products

Take out some lawn and design a natural background.

You’ll ultimately use less water and reduce chemical use and save some money too.

Also you don’t need to mow a lot.

2. Store rain water in barrels

Accumulating rain in barrels helps in the conservation of water.

Rain water has been known to be soft with no more need for treatment.

You can use it to water your garden, your houseplants or even wash your hair with it.

3. Mulch your gardens

Ground covers like mulch, boosts your garden features.

Though more valuable than this is that it germinates the seeds and provides micro-nutrients when it decays.

Mulch slows soil erosion, retains moisture and helps to prevent weeds. 

You’ll save some time watering your plants, in turn lets you enjoy your garden.

4. Go for compost

Composting natural waste produces humus which improves your garden soil.

Further, you minimize the greenhouse gases that comes from refuse and wastes.

You also save money on chemical fertilizers.

5. Opt for native shrubs

Native plants can can adapt in the most unusual environments.  

  They resist harmful pests which lets you reduce the use of damaging chemical products.

6. Attract Pollinators to Your Yard

Try to plant different genus plants in your garden to attract many other wildlife varieties.

Insects, bees, birds and bats contribute to a healthy ecosystem by transporting pollen from one plant to another during fertilization. 

7. Plant Shade Trees

Planting deciduous shade trees near your house will help cut your air conditioning bills in summer.

Deciduous trees drop their foliage in fall and this allows more sunshine in your house.

In addition trees helps minimize harmful effects in climate by producing oxygen which then moderates ground temperatures.

8. Plant Edible Ornamentals

Having organic plants in your garden is another wonderful way to adorn your landscape.

You can blend in with the ornamental shrubs some scarlet beans, spinach beets, and artichokes.

9. Choose natural resources

You can consider using recyclable concrete, reusable bricks and natural stones in your landscape designs rather than those exotic fuselage.

10. Use alternative power gears

Instead of a power lawn mower consider using a push mower. 

You can use a scythe or a pair of hand shears instead of a weed eater.

Instead of a gas blower for leaves, use a rake or broom, or better still allow leaves to remain in place to decompose and add nutrients to the soil.

Better yet, think of having a meadow rather than just a lawn.

I have been involved withSustainabale Calgary Landscaping in Calgary, Alberta Canada for a long time. These Tips have been implimented with my company for over 8 years.  We have had alot of fun Landscaping in Calgary over the years. What we do will work almost anywhere in the world to create sustainable landscapes.

Remember, just because I use this with Landscaping Calgary, doesn’t mean it won’t work in your local area. Now get out there and try things out!

Written by: Custom Stone and Waterscapes ‎3829 Parkhill Place SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2W6 (403) 870-1142