Plants and Trees - from ecomii

Lawns are the only plants in some people’s yards. Adding plants and trees to the outside of your home is a simple way to improve its appearance.

Protect the plants you do have by limiting traffic from construction vehicles and equipment. You can wrap planted areas with burlap or hemp fabric to protect them. Tell your contractor about your desire to protect the plants.

Tip: Typically, a construction site is cleared of any topsoil or vegetation before construction begins. Skip this practice and coordinate the location of the home to only remove the soil required. Set aside any soil you excavated during construction for reuse. Preserving these native soils reduces the need for additional watering or chemical fertilizers.

Using Native Plants to Save Water and Work

Nature understands the needs of each plant species and adapts each for their unique climate. Unfortunately, most people plant anything they like without considering whether those new plants will harm the other plants. They plant Kentucky Bluegrass on the lawns of their Arizona homes and wonder why it needs to be watered day and night. By using native plants (plants native to your specific geographic area), you’ll save water, minimize the need for landscape maintenance, and eliminate the danger of introducing a foreign species into the plant ecosystem.

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is landscaping with drought-tolerant plants in ways that don’t require additional water or fertilizer. The word xeriscaping (from the Green xeros, meaning “dry”) encourages the use of native and indigenous plants already suited for their specific climate. A rich, native landscape provides more visual interest and requires much less effort to maintain than a lawn does. Often, attractive succulents, such as agave and cactus, are used.

Controlling Insects and Pests

In the United States, 67 million pounds of synthetic pesticides are used each year. Although pesticides are effective at killing weeds and insects, they’re also killing people.

If possible, avoid the use of these dangerous chemicals. Natural alternatives such as garlic, hot pepper, and used dishwater are all healthy and effective methods to deal with insects. Simply spray a watery mixture of one of these over the plants you want to protect from bugs.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally friendly way to deal with insects, rodents, and other pests without using chemical pesticides.

To rid your garden of pests, IPM uses natural predators (insects eating other insects) of the pest you’re trying to remove. By using this healthy method, insects, rodents, and weeds can be controlled.

Knowing What to Plant in Your Yard

Annual flowers are beautiful, but they require a great deal of water, fertilizers, and work in order to grow. Save yourself the trouble and plant perennials instead.

Tip: Native annual plants will reseed themselves year after year.
While you’re out in the yard, consider planting some of your favorite herbs and vegetables. Not only will you save money on your grocery bill, but the energy used to transport vegetables to the store and from the store back to your house will be saved. ....read more