Spring has arrived and it’s the perfect time to update your landscape so it can have a lesser impact on the environment. Doing so is one of the responsibilities of a homeowner in our modern age and we can have more influence than we may think. From updating your greenscape to feature native plants to habitat features that provide habitat for local wildlife, from installing permeable pavers on your driveway to using natural stone rather than concrete pavers on walkways and patios, and updating your lighting systems to LED, there are some excellent decisions to make. Here are five eco-friendly landscape design ideas for homes in Buffalo Grove and Wilmette, IL.
Related: 5 Landscape Design Ideas That Landscaping Companies Expect To See In 2021 In Winnetka IL
Adopting Native Plants
Native plants and grasses use far less water than their more exotic counterparts. That’s because they’ve evolved perfectly to live in the environment of Illinois and don’t require much maintenance or extra water at all. Gorgeous flowers such as the Lance Leaf Coreopsis, Serviceberry, and the Illinois Columbine can make your flower beds visually stunning. Adopting native grasses such as the Pennsylvania Sedge (though its name wouldn’t tell you it’s native!) will dramatically reduce the usage of water - and your water bill.
Encouraging Animal Habitats
Your property’s place in the local ecosystem can be enhanced by installing various habitats such as ponds, streams, trees, birdhouses, bat houses, and flower beds. Ponds and streams provide water for a wide variety of species and can especially benefit those attempting seasonal migration. The same can be said for trees and birdhouses, which give a place for birds to rest on their arduous journeys. Flower beds help encourage pollinators such as birds and bees that will help all of the plant life in your local area flourish.
Installing Permeable Pavers
Driveways serve an important function on any property and, as a consequence, take up a large amount of area. Sealed asphalt or concrete effectively blocks snowmelt and rainfall runoff from entering the groundwater below, leading to increased erosion in the surrounding area. Permeable pavers should be installed in driveways to allow this water to seep into the ground. This also prevents water from pooling on the surface, creating slipping hazards and mud pits that can produce big messes and allow for mosquitoes to breed.
Converting to Natural Stone
Walkways and patios can be created with natural stone, which is a naturally-occurring resource. Cobblestones are shaped by water forces over eons and already provide fantastic and long-lasting paved surfaces all over the Mediterranean and beyond. Moving away from poured concrete or concrete blocks will not only make your landscape far more visually appealing but will have a positive effect on your environment.
Updating to LED Lighting
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are far more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs. They also eliminate the glass waste produced by replacing light bulbs. Various lighting techniques in your landscape can utilize LEDs while producing a safe, secure, entertaining, and visually dazzling experience. Owing to the tiny size of standard LEDs, lights can be placed in unlikely spaces where light bulbs couldn’t possibly stay. Low-lying LEDs can be installed near the surface of your walkways and patios, creating a safe walking area while the light sources point downwards to avoid direct contact with people’s eyes. You’ll feel much better about your environmental impact after updating your lighting system to use LEDs.
