These days, more than ever before, people are thinking about the ways in which their daily lives impact the environment. Whether you’re dedicated to recycling, you are cautious about your energy or water consumption, or you’re walking or biking more often, you might be thinking about small ways you can do your part to make the world a better place.

Of course, you might also be wondering how a planned landscaping project could impact the environment. Are there ways that you can have a great outdoor space while still respecting the environment with eco-friendly choices?

These are things that we think about, too. In fact, when planning landscapes in Northern Virginia, we are often thinking about ways that we can create eco-friendly landscape designs that have minimal impact on the environment while having maximum impact on curb appeal and enjoyment for our clients. We love to create spaces that actually have environmental benefits associated with them.

Here are some specific ways that we practice environmentally friendly landscape design, some of which just might give you ideas for your next project.

1. We Create an Eco Friendly Landscape Design with Smart Hardscaping Choices

Hardscaping might seem like the big downfall when it comes to being environmentally friendly, however, there are eco-friendly hardscaping choices that can give you the best of both worlds. With the right landscape design, you can create functionality on your property that does not have a detrimental impact on the environment.

One of the materials that we often work with to achieve this goal are permeable pavers. These are pavers that provide a stormwater management solution to your property. They work by filtering pollutants, reducing water runoff, and keeping water on-site without the need for a retention pond. Permeable pavers can be utilized in an environmentally friendly landscape design in which traditional pavers could create a runoff problem. 

In addition to permeable pavers, we have also created walkways and even driveways with a crushed rock material, like gravel, which would also allow water to filter into the ground (as opposed to creating runoff with hardscaping). 

2. We Take Stormwater Management Into Consideration

Taking stormwater management concerns under consideration is another essential part of eco-friendly landscape design, particularly if we are utilizing a hardscaping material like concrete pavers (as opposed to permeable pavers). The last thing that we want is to create a beautiful hardscaped patio or walkways that generates a stormwater runoff issue that the property did not previously have because water was appropriately filtered by the turf. 

The truth is, stormwater management can be complicated and requires quite a bit of foresight and planning that a lot of landscape companies fail to do. They might know how to install a patio but if they fail to take proper drainage into account it could set you up for major headaches down the road. 

Proper stormwater management is not one simple solution but instead, could be any combination of solutions including the following. 

• Grading
• Underground piping
• Retention areas
• Downspouts

An eco-friendly landscape design means taking these stormwater management solutions into account when installing hardscaping so that runoff issues are not inadvertently created. 

3. Our Landscape Designs Include Native and Pollinator Choices

Another way in which our designs lead to an environmentally friendly landscape is through our plant choices. We are often looking at native plant materials that are going to naturally require less water as they are already naturally suited to thrive in the Northern Virginia area. Native plants are also beneficial as they naturally resist disease and pests and are therefore lower maintenance.

Flowering native plant species also often make excellent pollinators. 

As you may already know, pollinators are important as they allow plants to fruit, set seed, and breed. This, in turn, provides food and habitats for other creatures. Pollinators also have a direct impact on our food supply, allowing for the availability and diversity of fresh produce. You can do your small part for the environment by incorporating some of these plants on your property. They also offer ornamental value.

Some great plants to consider in your eco-friendly landscape design include some of the following examples.

• Coral Bells
• Salvia 
• Butterfly Weed
• Black-eyed Susan
• Dogwood
• Serviceberry

4. We Value the Benefits of Green Space

Generally speaking, environmentally friendly landscaping is all about creating green spaces that help the environment. Managed landscape areas can do just that. Studies have found that plants and trees help improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and ultimately improve quality of life. In fact, some research shows that simply looking at plants, even through a window, can reduce stress and lower blood pressure! The fact is, green spaces are good for not only the environment but for you and your health. 

We are Amongst the Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Companies in Northern Virginia

At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we take our role in creating green spaces seriously and feel great pride in the outcomes. We believe these spaces are not only improving the environment but peoples’ daily lives and that’s a rewarding aspect of what we get to do each day. 

The bottom line? You can count on us to continue to be good stewards of the environment so that you can feel good about the green spaces we design, build, and maintain for you.

Are you someone who wants to know more about environmentally friendly landscaping at your Alexandria, Arlington, or Springfield, VA home? If so, request your consultation, get your customized plan, and relax as you get the royal treatment.