Sustainability has become a must as we move forward as a society. One area has become more and more important as the years pass: commercial landscaping. According to C&L Landscape, Inc., not only do sustainable practices offer long-term benefits for the environment, it also reduces operational costs for businesses. “Whether it’s lowering water usage, using native plants, or implementing energy-saving practices, sustainable landscaping can make a huge difference in commercial settings,” says C&L.
Sustainable landscaping means that whatever practices someone uses to maintain their landscape will also help minimize environmental impact. For commercial properties, thorough planning is required that includes the surrounding environment, resources already on-hand, and the business’s long-term goals.
Native Plants & Wild-Life Friendly Habitats
The first step in planning a sustainable commercial landscape is to choose plants that are already well-adapted to their future living arrangements. Native plants already know the local climate, soil conditions, and insect population of your proposed landscape. According to Pure Green Group, this means that your overall project will require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than other plants: “By using native plants in your landscaping, you can help conserve water resources and reduce the need for chemical inputs, making your commercial space more eco-friendly.”
Native plants also help incorporate a wildlife-friendly habitat by providing food and shelter and supporting biodiversity such as birds and butterflies, and pollinators. They also prevent soil erosion and filter pollutants.
Pure Green gives a list of structures that help attract biodiverse wildlife to your landscape:
- Birdhouses
- Bat boxes
- Ponds
- Birdbaths
Water Conservation & Irrigation Systems
Water conservation is key in creating a landscape that can stand the test of time. Not only does it save resources, a water-efficient landscape will also save time and money. The National Construction Council notes that “By reducing water usage, commercial properties can lower their utility bills substantially. Efficient irrigation systems and drought-resistant plants require less maintenance, further reducing costs associated with landscaping.”
One great way to conserve water is by installing a water-efficient irrigation system to significantly reduce water waste. Generally, these types of irrigation systems promote the long-term health of your landscape. There are a few different ways to get started, according to Pure Green:
- Drip irrigation
- Smart controllers
- Rainwater harvesting
- Native plants
Fertilizers & Pesticides
Organic fertilizers and pesticides can help build and maintain a healthy, sustainable commercial landscape by reducing the impact of synthetic chemicals on the ecosystem. Derived from natural sources, organic fertilizers such as compost or manure promote:
- Nutrient intake
- Structure improvement
- Water retention capacity
- Growth of beneficial microorganisms
Organic pesticides that come from natural sources such as plants and minerals benefit necessary, beneficial insects and wildlife while deterring pests. This reduces risk of chemical residues spreading in soil, water, and plants.
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