Sustainable landscaping
Sustainable landscaping is the work of designing, constructing, and maintaining landscapes to conserve and regenerate water, air, soil, plant and wildlife resources, and protect and enhance human health and well-being. Sustainable best practices focus on the environment while striving to be socially equitable and economically feasible. It encourages working within closed systems regarding organic matter and nutrient cycling. It aims to be pesticide-free. Sustainable landscapes can be designed, constructed, and maintained landscapes that will continue to be aesthetically pleasing, ecologically resilient, and enduring in the ecoregion in which they are located.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 committed the United States to sustainability, declaring it a national policy “to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.”
Sustainable Landscape BMPs
Conserving energy
Using sustainable methods & materials
Protecting human health/ well-being
Soil Protection
Base nutrient management for turf, trees, and shrubs on soil tests, tissue analysis, and clear indication of need
Use naturally derived fertilizers from organic sources that slowly release nutrients over a 1-to-4 month timeframe.
Schedule fertilization for site conditions, plant needs, and dry weather.
Maintain 2-4" of large particle size organic mulch over the surface of soil
Apply organic mulches a few inches from the base of trees and plants and extending at least to the dripline.
Use compost, compost tea, or other amendments to establish beneficial soil organisms and release nutrients over the long term.
Use onsite organic materials by mulching, mulch-mowing, and composting
Allow fallen leaves to remain as mulch in landscaped beds and natural areas
Avoid synthetic barriers or mulches that prevent or inhibit natural biodegradation of organic matter
Conserve Water
Plan to adjust watering after plant establishment period (1-3 years)
Test and repair irrigation systems at start of each season and by draining at end of season.
Set/adjust irrigation to minimize evaporation and overwatering based on seasonal weather conditions, site characteristics, and vegetation needs.
Maintain 2-4" of large particle size organic mulch over the surface of soil
Monitor irrigation regularly for broken heads, leaks, runoff, and uniform distribution, and repair irrigation problems promptly.
Apply organic mulches a few inches from the base of trees and plants and extending at least to the dripline.
Irrigate to deeper depths while watering less frequently.
Maintain low-traffic turf areas for no/minimal irrigation, allowing them to go dormant in summer.
Reduce turf area where possible, to reduce water, fertilizer, and maintenance inputs.
Protect Water and Air Quality
Use energy-efficient equipment and power tools or hand tools as appropriate.
Maintain all equipment and tools in optimal working condition
Maintain all onsite stormwater infiltration, Low Impact Development (LID), and other Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) according to manual.
Minimize or eliminate use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Monitor irrigation regularly for broken heads, leaks, runoff, and uniform distribution, and repair irrigation problems promptly.
Avoid contaminating water with soluble landscape chemicals, oil, cleaners, etc.
Prune to optimize air flow for plant and human health.
Protect and Create Wildlife Habitat
Minimize impacts to existing desirable vegetation and protect existing habitat including wetland areas and landscape features.
Schedule maintenance tasks to avoid disturbing native wildlife and their habitats.
Preserve and plant native vegetation to enhance native wildlife diversity
Avoid cultivation of landscaped areas to retain soil organisms and soil habitat
Maintain water sources.
Avoid premature removal of flowers, stems, and seed heads that provide a food source or habitat for wildlife.
Eliminate or reduce the use of pesticides harmful to wildlife.
Create diversity in landscapes to encourage natural, biological pest control processes.
Sustain Healthy Plants
Plan for plant growth, species longevity, and succession during the life of the landscape. (Right plant, Right Place)
Encourage plant biodiversity, especially plants native to an ecoregion, and use plants that attract beneficials and biological pest predators.
Survey for known pests, noxious weeds, and invasive species on site. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Manage water use for plant health and deepest root development. Use appropriate watering and mulching.
Remove and replace diseased or failing plants with resilient or more site-appropriate selections.
Fertilize plants with natural, organic products for healthy growth and flower/fruit production. Avoid use of synthetic fertilizers.
Prune properly to maintain the natural form of the plant. Avoid shearing.
Promote nutrient cycling and deep rooting by mulch mowing at 2-4 inches or as appropriate for grass species.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Right plant, Right Place. Correct planting reduces plant stress and susceptibility to problems and diseases.
Monitor for, remove/contain/control, and properly dispose of invasive plants found on the local Noxious Weed List for the local county area
Survey for known pests, noxious weeds, and invasive species on site. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Manage water use for plant health and deepest root development. Use appropriate watering and mulching.
Remove and replace diseased or failing plants with resilient or more site-appropriate selections.
Fertilize plants with natural, organic products for healthy growth and flower/fruit production. Avoid use of synthetic fertilizers.
Prune properly to maintain the natural form of the plant. Avoid shearing.
Promote nutrient cycling and deep rooting by mulch mowing at 2-4 inches or as appropriate for grass species.