Naturalist Gifford Pinchot once remarked, “Conservation means the wise and good use of the earth and its resources for the lasting good of men.” With increasing consumer interest in the careful use of the earth’s assets, it is more advantageous than ever to look into low maintenance and sustainable landscaping design trends for landscape design plans.

Low Maintenance and Sustainable Landscaping Design Trends

• Use of native plants – Exotic, imported plants may add a great deal of personality and a pop of the unexpected to a garden plan, but plants removed from their natural habitat often require extra attention. The ideal Philadelphia low maintenance landscape plan area focuses on plants that are native to the region, bringing an ability to withstand cold, heat, drought and rain with remarkable resilience. They also require less maintenance and effort than imported species would require.
• Permeable paving – Permeable paving is a type of paving that is porous, allowing water to drain through to the ground below.
• Drip/water-efficient irrigation – A drip water system delivers water through holes ion piping that lies on the ground. Drip irrigation is 90-percent efficient in delivering water where it is needed, while sprinkler irrigation is generally only 63-percent efficient.
• Avoidance of toxic chemicals – Research consistently supports the fact that synthetic chemicals are harmful to wildlife and the atmosphere, so Aardweg strongly recommends avoiding them for routine use.
• Utilization of storm water – Strategic use of space can help make a garden more eco-friendly through simply channeling rain water to where it can actually serve a purpose onsite rather than increase the volume of storm water run-off. The use of site-specific plant arrangements and tiered planting layouts drastically helps in minimizing water flow and retaining soil. Water is directly infiltrated on-site, rather than diverted to a drain for off-site management.

2015 ASLA Member Survey Results

Other popular sustainable design elements reported by the ASLA include rainwater/graywater harvesting, reduced lawn area, recycled materials, solar-powered lights and compost bins. “Consumers care about designed landscapes that are attractive, easy to take care of and eco-friendly,” says Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. “The [2015 Survey of ASLA members] survey shows that homeowners increasingly see opportunities to improve the environment right in their own backyard.”

If you are concerned about the environment, consider these low maintenance and sustainable landscaping design trends for consideration in your yard. Then you can smile with satisfaction, knowing that you have achieved a beautiful landscape without environmental compromise! Aardweg Landscaping has extensive experience in integrating the lush and beautiful with the ecologically conservative to deliver a truly magnificent Philadelphia low maintenance landscape master plan.

Main Line landscape design company Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA has received a “Best Of Houzz” 2015 award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz. As a full-service landscape company serving the Main Line for more than 35 years, Aardweg Landscaping enjoys designing low maintenance and sustainable garden for their clients. To schedule a complimentary on-site consultation, call Aardweg Landscaping at 610-355-0703, or send an email using the website contact form.