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Just
because
the
gardens
in the
front
and
backyard
of your
home
look
green
doesn’t
mean
they are
environmentally
sound.
According
to
experts,
typical
homeowners
are
unaware
that
they
usually
apply
seven
times
more
chemicals
per acre
to their
gardens
than
those
used in
agriculture,
much of
which
has the
potential
to run
into
local
lakes
and
leach
into
groundwater.
There
are
ways,
however,
to make
sure you
are
living
green
and
making
your
landscaping
as
environmentally
sensitive
as
possible.
Here are
the top
five
“greener”
landscaping
ideas:
Plan
In order
to have
environmentally
friendly
landscaping,
it is
important
to take
the
appropriate
steps.
By
hiring a
landscaping
service
to
conduct
a
thorough
site
analysis
at the
onset,
you’ll
be
better
able to
use
elements
like sun
exposure,
wind,
drainage
and the
impact
of
different
soil
types to
your
advantage.
This
step
will
likely
lead to
a more
natural,
healthier
garden,
and
reduce
your
dependency
on
fungicides
to
prevent
disease
and
stimulate
healthy
growth.
Water
Develop
your
landscaping
to use
water
efficiently.
This
practice
is
referred
to as
“Xeriscape,”
and is
pronounced
“Zera-scape.”
Xeriscaping
refers
to
creating
a
landscape
that
limits
the need
for
irrigation.
This
originated
in arid
regions
of the
U.S.,
but is
catching
on
across
the
country
as water
use
becomes
restricted
in many
areas.
One way
of
limiting
water
use is
to group
plants
with
similar
water
needs
together
so water
isn’t
wasted.
Additionally,
you can
plant
shrubs
and
trees in
your
yard
that
require
little
water.
Some
annual
flowers
require
substantial
water
each
week.
Proper
Planting
In order
to be
certain
your
plants
are
resistant
to
drought,
insects
and
others
issues,
soil
preparation
is
essential.
Prepare
your
planting
beds by
digging
to a
depth of
more
than 12
inches
and
using
enriched
organic
matter,
which
will
result
in
stronger
root
structure
for all
types of
plants.
Make
sure you
loosen
the root
ball of
plants
from
containers
to
ensure
the
roots
grow
outward
allowing
for
proper
water
penetration.
Appropriate
Maintenance
Once
you’ve
utilized
the
appropriate
soil and
properly
established
your
plants,
you
still
have to
consider
the
ongoing
water
needed
to
sustain
them.
Drip
irrigation
and
soakers
are most
appropriate
when
trying
to
conserve
water.
The
Environmental
Protection
Agency
suggests
sprinklers
can
waste up
to 50
percent
of water
used. If
you need
to use a
sprinkler,
run it
during
off peak
hours,
either
late in
the
evening
or first
thing in
the
morning.
Use
Organics
Due to
their
limited
impact
on the
soil,
environment
and
household
pets,
organic
fertilizers
are
becoming
increasingly
popular.
They are
available
in many
areas,
both in
dry and
liquid
form,
and have
many of
the same
benefits
of
harsher
chemical
fertilizers.
Whichever
you use,
remember
that
over-fertilizing
(especially
with
chemical
fertilizers)
is the
cause of
many
problems
in lawns
and
gardens,
such as
burnt
brown
lawns.
Using
organic
fertilizers
is as
simple
as
sprinkling
grass
clippings
over
your
lawn—a
perfect
alternative
to
chemical
fertilizers—as
grass
clippings
contain
high
nitrogen
levels
and can
supply
your
lawn
with a
third of
its
nitrogen
needs.
Contact
Me
I can help you with every
aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m
experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens
Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I
care.
As
your
Better
Homes
and
Gardens
Rand
Realty
Sales
Professional,
I
will
provide
you
with
the
information
you
need
to
make
an
educated
decision.
The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their agent is based on trust, shared goals and understanding. I strive to continually improve and to do this I listen and take the needs and wants into consideration.
For assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact me, whether it's to get started on helping you realize your goals and dreams, or just to ask a question - no pressure, no hassle, no obligation - just a friendly conversation. I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you. |
