Sustainable landscaping

Sustainable landscaping is a modern type of gardening or landscaping that takes the environmental issue of sustainability into account. According to Loehrlein in 2009 this includes design, construction and management of residential and commercial gardens and incorporates organic lawn management and organic gardening techniques. A sustainable garden is designed to be both attractive and in balance with the local climate and environment and it should require minimal resource inputs. Thus, the design must be “functional, cost-efficient, visually pleasing, environmentally friendly and maintainable". As part of sustainable development, it pays close attention to preserving limited resources, reducing waste, and preventing air, water and soil pollution. Compost, fertilization, integrated pest management, using the right plant in the right place, appropriate use of turf and xeriscaping (water-wise gardening) are all components of sustainable landscaping. Sustainability can help urban commercial landscaping companies save money. In California, gardens often do not outweigh the cost of inputs like water and labor. However, using appropriately selected and properly sited plants may help to ensure that maintenance costs are lower because of reduced inputs. Long-lasting Reduced water usage and no surface runoff or puddles Minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides Use of green waste Conservation of energy and resources Sustainability issues for landscaping include: Carbon sequestration Climate change Water conservation Energy usage Non-sustainable practices include: Consumption of non-renewable resources Greenhouse gas emissions Some of the solutions are: Reduction of stormwater run-off through the use of bio-swales, rain gardens and green roofs and walls.