The term “sustainability” is seen a lot these days when
describing earth friendly techniques for managing landscaping. Sustainable has
been defined as “maintaining ecological balance by exploiting natural
resources.” There are five key reasons to adopt sustainable landscape
practices:
Improve soil and plant health
Save water, money and the environment
Create or improve habitat and biodiversity
Address child and pet safety concerns
It’s the right thing to do
While options for sustainability vary in complexity and cost,
there are several low-to-no-cost changes your homeowner association can make
now to support these goals:
Water Conservation. This is the most accessible win-win in
the effort to advance sustainability. An investment in Smart Controllers
(weather-based watering) and new, more efficient sprinklers can cut water
consumption in half. The return on investment is often just one to three years
based on reduced water bills.
Reduce Electricity Consumption. Quiet, zero emissions,
battery-powered landscape equipment is a reality! Find out what options are
available.
Organic Weed Control. New organic or natural products for
controlling unwanted plants are coming to the market like a “fatty acid” for
non-selective weed control and another that is iron based for lawn weeds. No
organic or natural product is as effective as traditional herbicides, so more
time must be spent in their application. Also, there are no effective
natural/organic materials for pre-emergent weed control. So, figure on a modest
budget increase for this service.
Mulching Lawn Clippings. Leaving mowed clippings in place on
the lawn is quite beneficial to the health of the turf. It amounts to a regular
infusion of nutrient-rich organic matter to the lawn. This organic matter feeds
the beneficial organisms of a healthy biotic system. Although this technique
should only be practiced when the grass is relatively dry, it should be a part
of the plan.
Organic Insect Pest Control. The preferred position when it
comes to landscape pests is simply to ignore them. Don’t spray insecticides to
control pests that will rarely become a serious problem. In fact, when pests do
become objectionable, it is usually because the site is not suited for the
plant species that attracts them. When it becomes necessary to treat for pests,
replacing them with better-adapted species is the best route to take. When a
pest control application is necessary, there are options which use organic
materials and biological controls.
Gardens for Beneficial Insects & Pollinators.
Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Honey Bees, Lady Bugs and Praying Mantis! Let
beneficial insects take care of many common garden pests naturally while
allowing pollinators to harvest pollen. With global populations of honey bees
declining, it is important to keep them strong and doing their job. There are
many native and adapted plants that will attract, harbor and provide the
necessary food for all types of beneficial insects and pollinators. Add a few
new plants each year to build a better future on a small budget.
Work with your landscape contractor to integrate sustainable
techniques which either cost little or actually reduce your cost. Your
homeowner association and Planet Earth will be better off.