top of page

Sustainable Landscaping Ideas

Sustainable landscaping makes the outdoors more than just superficially beautiful. Maintaining sustainable landscapes is harmonious with the planet and doesn't harm the environment. Go with biodegradable, recycled, or locally sourced materials for everything else. Here are some great ideas to create a sustainable landscape at home:

Workers carrying pallets from Anderson Bros Outdoors

Eco-friendly Materials and Design

Before landscaping, choose eco-friendly materials that are kind to the environment. Such materials are the bedrock of any sustainable project. For hardscaping, use absorbent materials like gravel. They protect the ground from erosion and decrease rainwater runoff.

Go with biodegradable, recycled, or locally sourced materials for everything else. While these may not always be the most durable or entirely eco-friendly choice, they are certainly a step in the right direction. Recycling means fewer new materials must be sourced from nature, and locally sourced options mean less transport emissions.

Worker laying down bricks from Anderson Bros Outdoors
Patio and pergola from Anderson Bros Outdoors

Water Saving

Water conservation is a big part of sustainable landscaping. Techniques like rainwater harvesting and drought-resistant plants can result in the household using significantly less water. Also, one should install a rain garden, which uses rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and walkways to water plants.

Plant Selection

Plants seem inherently eco-friendly. After all, greenery is a prime association with nature. In reality, some plants are eco-friendlier than others. Native plants are usually better since they are adapted to the local climate and need less water and maintenance. They might also provide a natural habitat and food for local wildlife, a major environmental plus. However, one should avoid invasive species that can harm the local ecosystem.

Paver patio pool deck with tree landscaping from Anderson Bros Outdoors
Screened-in porch with composite deck from Anderson Bros Outdoors

Lawn Care

Lawns are an essential feature of landscapes around the country. However, they can be resource-intensive. To make lawns more sustainable, mow less frequently and keep the grass at least three inches long in summer. This way, the soil will remain cool, preserving the moisture. These actions help the grass maintain a healthy root structure. For some homeowners, synthetic turf may be the perfect alternative to a natural grass lawn.

Creating Habitats for Wildlife

Water conservation is a big part of sustainable landscaping. Techniques like rainwater harvesting and drought-resistant plants can result in the household using significantly less water. Also, one should install a rain garden, which uses rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and walkways to water plants.

Patio, retaining wall, and landscaping from Anderson Bros Outdoors
Composite deck and outdoor stairway from Anderson Bros Outdoors

Green in Every Way

Sustainable landscaping means more than just planting a few trees and shrubs. The process strikes a harmonious balance between natural beauty and environmental responsibility. Choose eco-friendly materials, conserve water, and create wildlife habitats for a beautiful landscape that contributes positively to the environment. Contact a landscaping firm for more ideas and tips for an eco-friendly home and garden

Anderson Bros Outdoors of Monticello, MN, provides complete residential design, build, and maintenance of outdoor living spaces, landscape, hardscape, and pools.

bottom of page