If you’re planning on upgrading the look of your backyard, you might want to consider an environmentally friendly way to do so.  Everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment and how you set up the areas around your property can really make a difference when it comes to sustainability.  In this article, we’ll go over five eco-friendly landscaping design tips to give you some ideas on how to proceed.

Utilize Native Plants

Filling your yard with native plants ensures that they’re already used to the local climate and won’t require excess watering, fertilizing or special care.  Since they’re already adapted to the regional weather patterns and soil conditions you’ll find they need less tending and energy. They will also contribute to creating a habitat that’s useful for local birds, insects and other wildlife.

Create A Symbiotic Ecosystem

In the wild, plants of different species naturally congregate together to help each other grow.  An example would be a plant that cannot withstand direct sunlight growing under a sun-loving plant that provides shade.  By planting the right combination of greenery you can create a symbiotic environment that allows everything to flourish with synergetic ease.

Capture Rainwater

Conserving fresh water is one of the easiest things we can to preserve the environment.  By simply placing a large cistern under any downspouts you can capture rainwater to be used to quench the thirst of your plants on hotter days.  This is a simple and passive way to reduce the need for drawing water from your taps.

Choose Your Hardscaping Wisely

Laying down pads of concrete not only stops water from soaking into the ground, it increases the ambient temperature of your yard.  Instead of using solid concrete, consider permeable paving stones, bricks or other porous materials which will allow water to seep through and benefit your plants and soil.

Understand Your Conditions

By observing the conditions that your yard experiences you’ll be able to choose plants that will flourish without the need for too much tending.  Take note of the areas that get the most sunlight, figure out where any excess water runs off and determine the type of soil you have to give you a better idea of what should be planted and where.