Water-Management

Sustainable landscapes capture water and hold it — in the soil, groundwater, or rainwater catchment systems — for future use. Building healthy soils and features such as rain gardens allows water to infiltrate into the landscape and down into groundwater aquifers rather than running off and being lost down the drain. Similarly, rain barrels and tanks can capture roof runoff, which can then be applied back into the landscape as needed.

These strategies also help prevent pollution of our waterways, allowing landscapes to absorb and purify the "first flush" of a rain event, which contains the most pollutants.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is a process by which unwanted pests are discouraged through management of the natural balance of an ecosystem. IPM techniques focus on long-term prevention of pests or their damage by practicing biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant plant varieties. When necessary, pesticides are applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health and the surrounding environment.

Leaving Leaves

While we advise removing them from lawns, we prefer to leave fallen leaves wherever possible in order to benefit the surrounding ecosystem. Leaves contribute to plant and soil health by forming a natural mulch; they help suppress weeds and fertilize the soil as they break down.

Furthermore, leaf litter is crucial to maintain biodiversity. Critters ranging from turtles and toads to birds, mammals and invertebrates rely on leaf litter for food, shelter and nesting material. Many invertebrates overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring. In the spring, birds rely on insects in the leaf litter to feed themselves and their young. By eliminating leaves from your landscape, you eliminate birds as well.