How Landscapers Near Me Incorporate Environmentally Friendly Practices in Middleton, WI, Projects

As more homeowners are trying to lower their carbon footprints, they may want to turn their attention to their landscape projects. If you’re considering a landscape makeover in Middleton, WI, or just want to make a few changes and are searching for “landscapers near me,” here are some potential environmentally friendly practices to inquire about before choosing a landscape design and installation company.

Less Lawn, More Xeriscaping

Many people think of xeriscaping as “rocks and cactus.” However, since the term refers to landscaping that focuses on surviving drought, this method can mean choosing native plants and carefully grouping plants according to watering requirements. You can create a beautiful landscape by replacing some of your thirsty (and fussy) turf grasses with expanded planting beds that feature native ornamental grasses and plants such as Switchgrass or Little Bluestem, Prairie Dropseed, Purple Coneflower, Wild Quinine, Butterfly Weed, Smooth Aster, and Ohio Goldenrod. These are just a small fraction of hardy plants that can be perfect for a xeriscaped area. You’ll be rewarded with beauty, ease of maintenance, more wildlife, and the prospect of a lower water bill.

Install an Irrigation System

You can’t completely eliminate the need for watering, but you can be strategic about it by installing a professional irrigation system. A well designed irrigation system delivers the right amount of water to the right plants at the right time. It takes the guesswork out of watering, helps plants to establish robust root systems, and allows you to spend more time enjoying a healthy and vibrant landscape. 

Install a Green Wall 

Go vertical! If you need privacy, plant a living wall of densely planted cedars, or transform an existing wooden privacy wall into a hanging garden overflowing with colorful flowers, vines, herbs, veggies (cherry tomatoes love to be off the ground), or a pollinator garden that will attract bees and butterflies, whose numbers are alarmingly low. A green wall will make you feel less closed in than a plain wooden wall, and helps mute environmental noises to create a wonderful backyard sanctuary.

Mulch Your Planting Beds

A layer of mulch can be extremely beneficial to landscape plants, shrubs, and trees. Mulch discourages weeds (to minimize use of toxic herbicides), helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and gives a finished look to planting beds. Organic mulch adds nutrients to your plants as it decomposes, which reduces the need for fertilizer.

Install Permeable Hardscapes

A spacious paver patio adds an elegant and functional outdoor room. A sophisticated paver driveway boosts your curb appeal. A paver walkway sends a warm welcome to guests. But did you know that these surfaces can also be a way to collect rainwater and return it to the aquifer rather than letting it run off into the storm drain system?

Permeable hardscapes involve using larger aggregates beneath the hardscape that can collect water and allow it to filter back into the ground. The pavers themselves are impervious, but they are laid using slightly larger-than-normal joints and use jointing compounds that allow water to seep through. If you measured the amount of water that runs off a hard surface like a patio or driveway, you’d likely be astonished—but with permeable hardscapes, that water will go where it’s supposed to go. 

Permeable surfaces also promote safety. Water seeps into the ground instead of pooling on the surface where it can freeze; and in summer, permeable surfaces are cooler on bare feet because the larger joints release heat.