Did you know you could help the environment by doing work in your own yard? You benefit and the earth benefits! Its a win-win and we’re going to tell you how!
Native Species:
We LOVE to work with native species. Native species are plants that are from the Hudson Valley. We have done our research on these plants and they are some of our favorites and here’s why!
- They are NATIVE to our environment. It seems obvious but trying to fight with plants that aren’t meant to survive in our climate can be frustrating and time consuming. These plants love our conditions and thrive in them. Planting these will make your life easier and you won’t have to waste as much time fertilizing! They also are adjusted to the amount of water we receive and you can save that resource and time as well! This is one way to get that low maintenance garden!
- Planting more Native Species, especially maples and oaks are huge storehouses for the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide and provide us with clean oxygen. They are also excellent choices for strategical planting. In the summer, they provide shade. When you plant these in an area close enough to your house to shade during the summer, you won’t have to use as much energy to cool your home. Since they are deciduous, (losing their leaves in the winter) they sun will poke through, warming your house fo winter!
- Most importantly, it works with our wildlife. These pollinators and mammals depend on native species for their survival and it is what they are accustomed to. Butterflies and bees look for familiar pollen. Mammals feed off of its seeds, nuts and fruit but also look toward these plants to shelter them.
- Not only are they helpful for the environment but they are beautiful to the eye as well with vibrant colors and alluring scents.
Xeriscaping:
Usually more popular in the midwest where water is more scarce, but has been becoming more of a trend throughout the United States due to conserving water, time and money! These gardens are planned off of low water usage and are known to survive droughts.
Environmentally Friendly Mowing:
- Your landscaper should be aware of adjusting your mowing height throughout the season to maintain your lawns health. Your grasses height should not go below a certain length as the weather changes. This allows your grass you adsorb the correct amount of water all year around also retaining its nutrients and be cut weekly as needed. This helps keep those earthworms and birds very happy! Talk to your landscaper about how you would like your grass cut to maintain the healthiest and most environmentally friendly lawn!
- Let some of your lawn go to hay. Do you have a huge property and don’t use a large portion of it? You can let it go to hay or plant a wildflower garden limiting the amount of mowing needed throughout the season. Animals and pollinators both love sections of lawn like these. This comes with caution though. You don’t not want to walk through these sections due to large tick populations.
Use Mulch:
Mulching is a very easy way to conserve water and keep root systems cool! It also will breakdown and provide your plants with easy fertilizer. The best mulches to use for environmental friendly gardens are natural mulch or “Sweet Peet”!
Rain Conserving:
Look into using rain barrels to water your plants. This will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint!
Use Natural Pest Control:
We are happy to be able to offer a natural pest control for ticks, mosquitos and gnats! We understand how these little bugs can drive you crazy and you deserve to be able to enjoy your yard in peace without sacrificing environmental concerns. Find more information here or contact us for a free quote!
