How A Landscape Architect Can Save You Money
Terms like “green,” “eco-friendly,” and “sustainable” are all thrown around frequently in the home construction and landscape remodel world, but there’s more than just fluff behind those words. Approaching your backyard rehab project with an eye towards sustainable design and construction can actually pay you back in the long-term – just be sure to choose the right landscape architect for the job.
Planting Trees
By adding some trees to your outdoor space, your home will enjoy the benefit of windbreaks and additional shade during hot summer months, lessening the load on your air conditioner. Choosing the right trees for your design aesthetic is important, but some trees have more perceived value to prospective homebuyers. If you’re planning to sell your home within the next 10-15 years, you should choose your trees carefully and take care to make sure they will still fit the space at maturity.
Trees that add shade, privacy, or decoration to your landscaped areas are seen as more valuable in the eyes of home appraisers and potential buyers. Longer-lived trees that add color, texture and functionality to your space are seen as the most valuable options when upgrading your outdoor spaces. Japanese maples in particular come in all shapes, colors and sizes and add seasonal interest to any landscape.
Sustainable Materials
When planning your hardscaping, look for materials that limit the impact on the environment. Composite material or sustainable hardwood (bamboo, for example) will achieve a consistent appearance and durability, avoiding the use of fresh lumber. Use of recycled concrete pavers or reused brick can create amazing, intricate-looking pathways.
For a space-saving and sustainable addition to your garden, consider using vertical pallet gardens. Perfect for an herb or spice garden, vertically hung gardens also have the benefit of keeping your crop out of the reach of pets and burrowing pests.
Smart Sprinkler Systems
While the Seattle area stays green year-round, thirstier plants will need a little extra help during the dry season to stay growing and healthy. Installing smart sprinkler systems that can reduce your water usage by helping you determine how often to water your plants based on your soil type and zip code. Cool, right?
A lower-tech solution is to install drip irrigation systems that distribute a small amount of water over a long period of time. A great tool for dry regions, drip irrigation is catching on in the moist Pacific Northwest due to the low upkeep requirements and high rate of water efficiency. It’s also the preferred method of watering produce, as it limits the amount of water that touches the leaves and fruit.
If this article has struck a chord and you’re feeling inspired, now’s a great time to schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation with a landscape architect. Urban Oasis specializes in high-end designs that pay the homeowners back in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value with a new outdoor room, water feature, or updated landscape or simply want to better enjoy your existing space, give us a call to discuss your plans.