Green from the Ground Up
See Chapter 16 on Landscaping in the Green from the Ground Up book for more details.

Green Landscaping Resource

Thoughtful landscaping can accomplish so many green goals. The right vegetation can significantly reduce water loads and cut energy bills by buffering the house against strong winds or harsh sun.

1. Preserve existing mature trees whenever possible

Benefit

Existing trees can provide shade which saves on energy bills. Trees help control soil erosion and increase property value

Process

Construct a temporary fence around the drip line of the tree to protect the root system.

Details/ Materials

Preserve and nourish existing mature plants on site

2. Plant deciduous trees on the south side of the home

Benefit

Deciduous trees provide shade in the summer, but allow sunlight to heat the home during the winter.

Process

Determine which species are appropriate for your climate. Keep trees at least 15 feet from south wall

Details/ Materials

Many deciduous trees are suitable but climate specific

3.  Plant coniferous trees on the side of prevailing winter winds

Benefit

Coniferous trees help block prevailing winds all year. This will help cut energy loads by reducing air-infiltration.

Process

See diagram

Details/ Materials

These trees are hardy and grow well in all climates

4. Use organic mulch in flower and tree beds

Benefit

Organic mulch is safer and more environmentally friendly than inorganic material. It supplies nutrients and reduces weed growth.

Process

Minimum of 2-3 inches of mulch.

Details/ Materials

This mulch should be available at your local garden store. If not, contact a local manufacturer and request that they carry it.

5. Plant native grasses and plants

Benefit

Native grasses and plants use less water and

Process

Invasive species should be removed from the site.

Details/ Materials

Talk to your local nursery about appropriate species for your climate zone to replace bluegrass

6. Install drip irrigation

Benefit

Regular sprinklers waste a lot of water through evaporation and spray indiscriminately.

Process

Drip irrigation applies water to the soil at the plant root at the rate that the soil can absorb it.

Details/ Materials

Determine water requirements for the species planted. Group plants by similar water needs. Use a rain sensor when possible

7. Install a rainwater collection system

Benefit

 Rainwater can be gathered, stored and then used as needed in either an above-ground cistern or underground tank.

Process

The project can be as simple as a large barrel with a lid  placed at the end of a gutter

Details/ Materials

The cistern can have a spigot that can be connected to a hose for ease of use.

8. Consider using gravel or permeable paving instead of asphalt

Benefit

Impervious ground covering like pavement leads to water runoff which clogs storm sewers and in-turn pollutes rivers or other water sources

Process

The earth acts as a natural filter. If rainwater is not given the opportunity to be absorbed, it runs into the storm sewer unfiltered. Try to avoid concrete pathways and minimize asphalt or concrete driveways.

Details/ Materials

Flagstones or concrete tiles look great and work well as walking surface. Pervious paving can be used in many milder climates.

9. Protect the top three inches of top soil and reuse it

Benefit

Topsoil is precious and should be preserved for planting

Process

Minimize the disturbance of the topsoil. If there is extensive excavation needed, designate a specific place on the site for the topsoil to be stored.

Details/ Materials

Use fencing to protect areas of the site from construction traffic.

10. Control erosion using biofiltration strips and silt fences

Benefit

 Erosion should be avoided because it strips the nutrient filled soil from the site.

Process

Silt fences are simple to construct and should be in place during construction, especially on sloped sites.

Details/ Materials

A silt fence consists of a piece of synthetic filter fabric held in place with stakes. Biofiltration is a pollution control technique using living material to capture and biologically degrade process pollutants.

11. Encourage composting and create a composting zone

Benefit

Composting helps keep trash out of the landfill and put it to an excellent use.

Process

Composting brings life to the soil and feeds existing soil vital micro-organisms

Details/ Materials

Composting can increase permeability and water-holding capacity. This helps reduce irrigation needs.

12. Design On-site Storm water management

Benefit

 Keeping rain water on site reduces loads on storm sewers and reduces watering loads.

Process

Ponds or vegetated swales can be constructed to help hold water during heavy rain. This water can be used to irrigate when there is less precipitation.

Details/ Materials

Ponds are not permitted in all regions. Check with your local building department.

“How will “Going Green” make me more money?”

Green is not simply getting more respect; it is rapidly becoming a necessity as corporations—as well as home builders, retailers, health care institutions, governments, and others—push green buildings fully into the mainstream over the next five to ten years. Customers need help with this difficult project and will look to you as an expert to show them what needs to be done.

“I thought green was just for Treehuggers.”

Green Homes no longer look like they did in the 70’s. They now look normal and very diverse. Professionals who would not consider themselves “greenies” are adopting green practices. People can now see the real benefit of these practices and want to implement them in their own lives.

“How will I talk to my customers about my green practices?”

Saving water is not only the responsible thing to do; it is becoming mandated by a growing number of municipalities.
Good landscaping can also work as a sound barrier. If the home is located near a noisy street, this will reduce this nuisance.
Planting deciduous trees on the south side of a home can help reduce home energy loads in the summer and allow light in during the winter in heating climates.
Native plants are not only beautiful; they need less water and care.

“Why should I care about the environment?”

Watering a lawn taken an enormous amount of water.
Applying herbicides and insecticides can pollute our groundwater.
Water runoff from hardscapes collect in our storm sewers and run, often untreated into rivers and streams.
Reducing lawn size will mean less energy spent using lawnmowers to cut the grass.

“What kind of training am I going to give my team?”

- Greenbuilding.com has a team of green building specialists. One of our trainers can come to your business to train your team.
- We have landscaping specialists.
- We can provide a one-day training to get your team ready to transition to green. This training will include marketing your business as green.

“What should I do first?”

- Read our Green landscaper Transition Guide below.
- Our guide is organized with the easiest changes listed first and those that may take longer listed last

 

 

Green Landscapers’ Transition Guide
 

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