Go Green With Your Houston Landscaping

Not a day goes by that you don’t see an article in the Houston Chronicle about the release of a new environmentally friendly product, whether it be a hybrid vehicle, an energy-efficient appliance, or organic food. (Even Pizza Hut just introduced a new “all-natural” pizza. My first question was, “what exactly were they making it out of before?” but that’s beside the point.) There are also many tips and tricks published about reducing one’s carbon footprint in many areas of your daily life. Since “going green” is a growing trend, I wanted to see if I could take an environmentally friendly approach to my new landscaping project.

I started by seeking out a reputable Houston landscaping company to partner with who could translate my vision into a reality. Together we developed a master plan, then identified a few areas were we could be more environmentally responsible: water, lighting, and pest control.

In Texas, the water we use for our lawns accounts for 35% of the total. That’s an awful lot, and is clearly an area where I should focus my efforts. We specifically choose plants that will thrive in Houston and don’t require a lot of water to maintain. Also, by adding elements like pathways or a sitting area, the overall need for ground cover (whether it be grass or some other greenery) could be reduced. Unless we choose only desert plants, I would still need to water, so it was recommended I install a sprinkler system. Most systems will come with a programable timer so you can deliver the exact amount of water necessary, with no waste. You can also set a sprinkler system to water at night, increasing the effectiveness your efforts, and ultimately using less water.

Lighting is another area in which to conserve energy. I learned that incandescent bulbs are no longer the way to go. Instead, you should choose from energy-efficient LED’s, compact florescent, or halogen lamps, depending on what is available for the type of light you are using. Although more energy-efficient, these bulbs produce a lot of heat which will need to be considered in their placement.

Pesticides reduce native predator insect populations, contaminate groundwater, and if misused, pose a potential threat to our heath. To reduce the use of pesticides, we started with healthy soil built with compost and earth-friendly elements. Planting only native plants will help reduce the presence of pests and fortunately the selection is quite diverse. I used quite a bit of flowers to attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects. If pests become a problem, it turns out there is a wide variety of natural solutions, such as orange oil, garlic, or organic products that can be used.

My new garden was not only a site to behold, but I could sleep easier knowing that I’d gone easy on Mother Nature. Before beginning any Houston landscaping project, I encourage you to research opportunities for reducing your environmental impact. Water usage, lighting, and pest control are all areas where you can “go green.” Come on, everyone else is doing it!

About the Author:
Helen Walker. Fresh Start Lanscapesguarantee quality and service at competitive prices. Get a free quote for Houston Landscapingwork.