Landscape Sustainability

G1405
Published 2009

"Sustainable landscapes" commonly describes landscapes that support environmental quality and conservation of natural resources. For many people, a sustainable landscape is hard to understand or visualize. Other terms such as xeriscape, native landscape and environmentally friendly landscape have been used interchangeably to describe sustainable landscapes.

A well-designed sustainable landscape reflects a high level of self-sufficiency. Once established, it should grow and mature virtually on its own ? as if nature had planted it. This self-sufficiency can be difficult to attain, however, due to the environmental stresses and artificial conditions placed on plants in urban areas. In addition, many residents may not be comfortable with the informality (less plant pruning, use of native plants which may lack the desirable aesthetic features of typical landscape plants, etc.) normally reflected in a sustainable landscape.

Adjusting to an informal landscape may take time for many homeowners, but implementing just one or a few principles of sustainable design can significantly benefit home landscapes. These benefits may include enhanced landscape beauty; less environmental decline; more effective use of water, pesticides and other chemical resources; more valuable wildlife habitat; and cost savings from reduced maintenance, labor and resource use.

Publication Details

Authors

Steven N. Rodie

Anne M. Streich

Subject

Lawn & Garden

Publication Date February 10, 2000
Last Revision Date February 09, 2009
Language English
Formats

HTML / PDF

Series NebGuide