Maintaining green landscaping requires many different strategies, from using organic fertilizers and forgoing pesticides altogether to employing various tactics that may even save money.
One easy way to go green is by planting local plants adapted to your environment and practicing water conservation methods, including minimizing waste water use.
Choose Native Plants
Homeowners and landscapers who choose native plants for their yard are taking an important step toward protecting local habitat. Planting flowers, shrubs and trees native to their environment provides food sources for birds that rely on them, while simultaneously supporting insects that pollinate wildflowers, grasses and other native species – an intricate interplay achieved only through native species.
Native plants require less watering and fertilizers than exotic varieties imported from elsewhere because they’re better adapted to climate and soil conditions in which they’re planted, plus have natural defense mechanisms against pests, fungi and diseases in their immediate surroundings.
New York native plants offer many beautiful options to select from and all serve various functions – be they to attract bees and butterflies, add color and texture, act as ground cover, or serve as privacy hedges. Contact your local Native Plant Society or gardening center for help selecting suitable native species.
Reduce Pesticides
No matter how carefully cultivated and selected the garden plants are, pests may still find ways to cause harm and even kill some garden plants. This may be caused by weather conditions favoring insect or disease growth or fluctuations in natural enemy populations of pests that take time to build back up again.
Use pesticides sparingly and only when necessary. When applying any type of pesticide, adhere to label directions as overusing will not help control problems faster but could actually harm plants further – plus waste time, money, and chemicals in the process!
Store pesticides safely, away from children and pets in a locked cabinet in a well-ventilated area. Do not dispose of excess rinse liquid through drains or on the ground as this could potentially pollute water bodies.
Use Organic Fertilizers
Some offer higher nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) analysis while others are plant specific. It is best to select your organic fertilizer after conducting soil testing for nutrients – either send it away to a lab or use an at-home kit.
Organic fertilizers slowly release essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to strengthen roots of plants while also improving soil structure and air flow. They’re less likely to create salt accumulations that damage delicate roots like synthetic ones can.
Reuse Materials
Landscapes consist of many components, from plants and soil to rocks and material assemblies. All these elements can have environmental, economic and health implications; one way of mitigating their negative effects is reusing materials or purchasing locally.
Avoid bagging yard waste and allow leaves, grass clippings, and other organic matter to decompose in compost piles or on your lawn naturally – this helps reduce landfill waste while supporting local companies.
Reduce Waste
Implement sustainable landscaping techniques such as rain gardens, cisterns and permeable pavers into your lawn care to reduce the amount of water your plants and lawn require during periods of drought. This step can save both money and water.
Leave lawn clippings where they belong for decomposition to produce nutrient-rich compost for your garden while simultaneously decreasing landfill or yard waste bin waste. This approach could save money and resources.
Pruning shrubs and trees should only be done as necessary; excessive pruning can promote unhealthy growth. Instead of cutting your lawn each week, let it grow longer before mowing to keep soil cool, maintain moisture levels, prevent weeds, and save energy costs by opting for solar-powered or LED options instead.
and even kill some garden plants. This may be caused by weather conditions favoring insect or disease growth or fluctuations in natural enemy populations of pests that take time to build back up again.
Use pesticides sparingly and only when necessary. When applying any type of pesticide, adhere to label directions as overusing will not help control problems faster but could actually harm plants further – plus waste time, money, and chemicals in the process!
Store pesticides safely, away from children and pets in a locked cabinet in a well-ventilated area. Do not dispose of excess rinse liquid through drains or on the ground as this could potentially pollute water bodies.
Use Organic Fertilizers
Many gardeners choose organic fertilizers over chemical ones, yet not all organic fertilizers are created equal. Some offer higher nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) analysis while others are plant specific. It is best to select your organic fertilizer after conducting soil testing for nutrients – either send it away to a lab or use an at-home kit.
Organic fertilizers slowly release essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to strengthen roots of plants while also improving soil structure and air flow. They’re less likely to create salt accumulations that damage delicate roots like synthetic ones can.
Reuse Materials
Landscapes consist of many components, from plants and soil to rocks and material assemblies. All these elements can have environmental, economic and health implications; one way of mitigating their negative effects is reusing materials or purchasing locally.
Reclaimed wood can be used to craft unique rustic fences or pathways while simultaneously cutting the need for new lumber, making this option especially advantageous when undertaking construction projects.
Avoid bagging yard waste and allow leaves, grass clippings, and other organic matter to decompose in compost piles or on your lawn naturally – this helps reduce landfill waste while supporting local companies. Rocks may be collected from other people’s yards or curbs where rock picking is allowed instead of buying them at stores.
Reduce Waste
Implement sustainable landscaping techniques such as rain gardens, cisterns and permeable pavers into your lawn care to reduce the amount of water your plants and lawn require during periods of drought. This step can save both money and water.
Leave lawn clippings where they belong for decomposition to produce nutrient-rich compost for your garden while simultaneously decreasing landfill or yard waste bin waste. This approach could save money and resources.
Pruning shrubs and trees should only be done as necessary; excessive pruning can promote unhealthy growth. Instead of cutting your lawn each week, let it grow longer before mowing to keep soil cool, maintain moisture levels, prevent weeds, and save energy costs by opting for solar-powered or LED options instead.