8 Approaches to Sustainable Landscape Construction
Find out how to be more earth-friendly when installing a new landscape
Marianne Lipanovich
May 23, 2022
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find me writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects... More
More and more homeowners are employing sustainable practices when it comes to designing and maintaining their landscapes. But what about when it comes to installing that landscape? We turned to landscape pros on Houzz for their advice on practices to make landscape construction more earth-friendly.
1. Research Your Options
Check with local government and recycling agencies about options for keeping construction materials and wastewater out of landfills and storm drain systems. Possibilities will vary by locality, but you might be surprised how many there are. There might even be incentives available based on the amount of material you can divert. Some agencies also offer workshops on sustainable gardening, covering topics such as choosing plants, capturing water and composting.
Find a landscape contractor near you
Check with local government and recycling agencies about options for keeping construction materials and wastewater out of landfills and storm drain systems. Possibilities will vary by locality, but you might be surprised how many there are. There might even be incentives available based on the amount of material you can divert. Some agencies also offer workshops on sustainable gardening, covering topics such as choosing plants, capturing water and composting.
Find a landscape contractor near you
Once you’ve done your homework, ask landscape contractors for their approaches to giving your project a less invasive footprint. “Approach the project in the spirit of collaboration and let the contractor know your specific interests and goals,” landscape architect June Scott in Los Angeles says. She adds that you also should share relevant site data, such as soil or arborist reports and topographic surveys, with the contractor.
Landscape designer Christine Krause in Salisbury, Connecticut, also emphasizes the need to work in tandem with your contractor. “The end result is an increase in energy efficiency and the reduction of waste,” she says.
10 Questions to Ask a Landscape Contractor
Landscape designer Christine Krause in Salisbury, Connecticut, also emphasizes the need to work in tandem with your contractor. “The end result is an increase in energy efficiency and the reduction of waste,” she says.
10 Questions to Ask a Landscape Contractor
2. Save the Soil
Reuse soil that has been removed as much as possible, either by replacing it in the original location or using it elsewhere on the site, rather than disposing of it.
In addition, ask your contractor to look for ways to reduce how much the soil is compacted. “Ask if they are open to using the lightest machinery available,” Scott advises. Heavier machinery means greater soil compaction, which will makes it harder for roots to grow and water to percolate. Larger machines require a larger cleared area to accommodate the turning radius, which also will further compact the soil.
Reuse soil that has been removed as much as possible, either by replacing it in the original location or using it elsewhere on the site, rather than disposing of it.
In addition, ask your contractor to look for ways to reduce how much the soil is compacted. “Ask if they are open to using the lightest machinery available,” Scott advises. Heavier machinery means greater soil compaction, which will makes it harder for roots to grow and water to percolate. Larger machines require a larger cleared area to accommodate the turning radius, which also will further compact the soil.
3. Limit Staging Areas
Minimize staging and parking areas on the site as much as possible. “Even ‘harmless’ chemicals can damage soils when concentrated,” Scott says.
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Minimize staging and parking areas on the site as much as possible. “Even ‘harmless’ chemicals can damage soils when concentrated,” Scott says.
Shop for outdoor products on Houzz
4. Divide to Conquer
Keep plant debris separate from construction debris. Check with neighborhood groups to see if others might want to take for their own yards larger plants or even small trees you’re planning to remove. If you’re lucky, they will be willing to remove them as well.
Compost other plant material whenever possible. Often, municipal governments will offer that service.
Keep plant debris separate from construction debris. Check with neighborhood groups to see if others might want to take for their own yards larger plants or even small trees you’re planning to remove. If you’re lucky, they will be willing to remove them as well.
Compost other plant material whenever possible. Often, municipal governments will offer that service.
5. Source Sustainably
Choose materials that are local whenever possible. Many businesses provide salvaged hardscaping materials, including lumber, brick, rock and pavers. You also might find a local business that specializes in recycling soil.
Krause looks at the energy required to produce, ship and install products. “We prioritize the use of local, recycled, less processed materials,” she says. She also tries to avoid petroleum-based products and works to offset carbon dioxide emissions whenever possible. “We increase the quality of the environment through the use of innovative low-impact materials that are permeable, recycled, recyclable, reflective and nontoxic,” she says.
If you need to buy new materials, look for those that include recycled content. “Salvaged or recycled materials are even better, since the homeowner is essentially giving them a second life,” Scott says.
10 Things to Consider for a Sustainable Landscape Design
Choose materials that are local whenever possible. Many businesses provide salvaged hardscaping materials, including lumber, brick, rock and pavers. You also might find a local business that specializes in recycling soil.
Krause looks at the energy required to produce, ship and install products. “We prioritize the use of local, recycled, less processed materials,” she says. She also tries to avoid petroleum-based products and works to offset carbon dioxide emissions whenever possible. “We increase the quality of the environment through the use of innovative low-impact materials that are permeable, recycled, recyclable, reflective and nontoxic,” she says.
If you need to buy new materials, look for those that include recycled content. “Salvaged or recycled materials are even better, since the homeowner is essentially giving them a second life,” Scott says.
10 Things to Consider for a Sustainable Landscape Design
6. Reuse Your Hardscape
Look for opportunities to reuse hardscape materials in other parts of the yard. Stone and masonry products can be used for small walls or steppingstones. Salvaged wood can be turned into planter boxes or seating, while metal pieces can become plant supports or art. “Using materials already found on the site can force designers, homeowners and contractors to become more creative,” Scott says. “The end result can be a project that is wholly unique to its site and the owners.”
Look for opportunities to reuse hardscape materials in other parts of the yard. Stone and masonry products can be used for small walls or steppingstones. Salvaged wood can be turned into planter boxes or seating, while metal pieces can become plant supports or art. “Using materials already found on the site can force designers, homeowners and contractors to become more creative,” Scott says. “The end result can be a project that is wholly unique to its site and the owners.”
7. Bypass the Landfill
Check for local salvage businesses and government programs that specialize in reusing materials you will be removing from your site. If those services are available, deconstruct your existing hardscape features rather than taking a sledgehammer to them. A surprising number of materials can be recycled or reused, including:
Check for local salvage businesses and government programs that specialize in reusing materials you will be removing from your site. If those services are available, deconstruct your existing hardscape features rather than taking a sledgehammer to them. A surprising number of materials can be recycled or reused, including:
- Concrete
- Metals
- Asphalt
- Wood, including untreated lumber
- Glass
- Masonry
- Some plastics
8. Keep What Matters
Consider keeping parts of your landscape that are still working for you, rather than redoing everything. If you have mature plantings or special garden areas, it might make more sense (and save you money) to incorporate those into your new design.
In addition, be sure any workers take precautions during construction to preserve trees and plantings you want to keep. “Ask how the contractor usually protects the mature trees on-site during construction, including fencing off trees or areas that are to be protected,” Scott says.
More on Houzz
Browse thousands of landscape design photos
Read more landscape design guides
Find a landscape contractor near you
Shop for outdoor products
Consider keeping parts of your landscape that are still working for you, rather than redoing everything. If you have mature plantings or special garden areas, it might make more sense (and save you money) to incorporate those into your new design.
In addition, be sure any workers take precautions during construction to preserve trees and plantings you want to keep. “Ask how the contractor usually protects the mature trees on-site during construction, including fencing off trees or areas that are to be protected,” Scott says.
More on Houzz
Browse thousands of landscape design photos
Read more landscape design guides
Find a landscape contractor near you
Shop for outdoor products
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Great ideas and love the emphasis on sustainability!
It's very important to focus on how you use your space and what you want to achieve with it. These are great ideas! For those in the greater Sacramento Area, check out ReStore, owned by Habitat for Humanity. If you're looking for re-used or discounted items for your remodel or landscape this is an excellent resource! Also, if you have leftover items you can donate them to ReStore so they can find new life somewhere else. 🙌☺️
And use native plants!