Are you really being ‘green’?

Updated Mar 1, 2018

shutterstock_1754201Everyone knows how to be sustainable and what “going green” means, but are you actually following through?

It’s one thing to promote it on flyers, brochures and mailers, but it’s another to actually follow through with a promise.

More and more clients want sustainable landscaping, which is convenient since manufacturers have caught on and are providing more and more sustainable products.

However, the landscaper is the messenger. It’s up to you to provide sustainable options for clients.

A green landscape doesn’t always have to mean bare or boring. In fact, there are a variety of ways landscapes can not only be sustainable, but look beautiful as well.

EP Henry has provided tips on how to be sustainable this spring:

  • Be mindful of the plants you choose. Sustainability works best with plants that are low-demand, resilient to pests and diseases and tolerant of your climate through allseasons. Research how large the plant will grow to ensure there is enough room in a yard for it to flourish. Group plants by similar water and soil needs.
  • Plant trees and shrubs for protection against harsh weather conditions. Trees and shrubs provide shade in the summer and insulation through the winter while blocking a home from heavy winds and snowdrifts during storms. Trees are low maintenance and require little water once they have been established.
  • Tend to soil. Compost kitchen and yard waste to enhance and diversify soil, which makes for healthier plants. Use mulch to lock in moisture and moderate the temperature of the soil – mulch helps slow the freezing process, making for stronger plants in the spring.
  • Harvest rainwater. Take notice of where water flows and gathers when it rains and use a rain barrel to collect it for future tasks, like watering plants. Permeable pavers can also help reduce stormwater runoff by filtering pollutants and redirecting water back to the ground.
  • Conserve water. Avoid irrigation systems when possible. To minimize the chances of overwatering, hand water plants only when needed.
  • Use solar-powered landscape lights. This form of renewable energy uses the sun to light outdoor living areas at night. There are also no wires involved with these lights, which can be a hazard to people and animals outside.
The Attachments Idea Book
Landscapers use a variety of attachments for doing everything from snow removal to jobsite cleanup, and regardless of how often they are used, every landscaper has a favorite attachment.
Download
Attachments Idea Book Cover