Calgary Lawn Care and Energy Efficient Landscaping Tips
Simple changes in your home landscaping methods can make a significant difference in environmental health and energy use. With growing awareness of the need for ecologically friendly design and construction practices, many Calgary homeowners are now ready to make those changes. You can do most of these landscape improvements on your own or ask for help from Calgary lawn care and landscaping companies that support ecologically responsible practices.
Lawn and Landscaping Equipment
For their size, small gasoline powered engines such as those found in lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, and weed trimmers produce exceptionally large amounts of carbon monoxide and other compounds that contribute to smog and air pollution. Though the newest models are somewhat more efficient, electric powered equipment is a better option. Some larger equipment stays plugged in to operate; smaller tools run on rechargeable batteries.
Fertilizer, Compost and Mulch
Whenever possible, choose organic and locally produced products for your landscape. Compost and organic fertilizers benefit your lawn and ornamental plants several ways. Soil quality is improved, plants tend to be healthier and less water is needed. In addition, with less nutrient runoff, organic fertilizers are safer for local streams.
Many tree trimming services produce mulch from the limbs and trunks they remove. This locally sourced product requires less energy in transportation than mulch shipped across the country to big box stores. Talk to Calgary lawn maintenance and tree service companies to see if they can deliver bulk mulch and compost to your home.
Landscape Lighting
LED lights have transformed the landscape lighting industry. There is wide range of new lighting options for homeowners. These LED lights are extremely energy efficient and have numerous options in terms of colour and style. It is also possible to monitor and control many outdoor lighting systems from your smartphone or laptop.
Native Plants
Native plants are a smart choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. A number of ornamental plants are exotic species that invade natural ecosystems, displacing native species and disrupting the local ecology, which affects birds and other small animals. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and often need less water and fertilizer to look their best. Many of these plants are quite beautiful and well suited for the home landscape.
These are few of the ways that your home landscape can make a difference in the global environment. Though one family’s changes may not seem like much, think of all your neighbors that are also interested in helping the environment. Each small change is step in the right direction. Talk to your local Calgary landscaping and lawn maintenance company about their environmentally friendly practices and how to make a “greener” landscape for your home.
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