How Sustainable Is Landscaping?
Richard Bickler
Managing Director at Arbour Landscape Solutions Ltd & Sales Director at Facilit8
Sustainability is a word that we hear quite often these days. But what does it mean? More specifically, what does it mean for the landscape industry? And how sustainable IS landscaping right now??These are all important questions that should be in the forefront of the minds of garden designers, landscape architects, property developers, landscapers and landscape suppliers.
Before I get too deep into this article, I want to point out that whilst I’ve done my best to fact-check the information within it, most of the words are based on my own thoughts and opinions.?I’m not a climate change expert, nor an ecologist or even an economist.?I am, however keen to make sure that the next generation - and every generation to follow - has a comfortable place to live with enough food and water to sustain a decent quality of life.?I’m sure, that you will disagree with some of my points, and if you do, I’d love to hear your side of the argument, so please?Ping Me An Email?or comment on my social media profiles to start a conversation.
What Does Sustainability Mean?
We hear it all the time - sustainable building, sustainable farming, sustainable transport but what does it mean?
The RHS defines sustainable gardening as?“the concept of using practices to maintain a garden so that natural resources are not exhausted and without causing ecological damage.’??That’s fairly easy to understand - in other words a sustainable garden should be managing water, looking after the soil, respecting biodiversity and possibly also be economical in its use of fossil fuels for mowers, strimmers etc.?
However the job of a garden designer and a landscaper is to CREATE gardens, albeit ones that can be sustainably managed.?Building a garden necessitates moving and importing materials, operating machinery and of course employing skilled labour.
I’m not sure that the RHS definition of a sustainable garden goes quite far enough to help us decide whether the landscape industry is planet-friendly.
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I also found a definition of sustainable products.?Landscaping uses products and one could say that a new garden is, in itself a product.?This definition reads.??“A sustainable product is an item that doesn’t deplete resources while offering environmental, social and economic benefits throughout its life cycle. Therefore sustainability is made up of three pillars, the economy, society, and the environment.”??Now That’s a definition I can work with.
Helping struggling AGRIPRENEURS maximize their profit potential while maintaining sustainable operations through Strategic planning and management.
2 年Landscaping can be sustainable if it is designed and implemented with the environment in mind. Here are some ways to make landscaping projects more environmentally friendly: 1. Use native plants 2. Choose sustainable materials 3. Reduce water use 4. Minimize chemical use 5. Preserve existing vegetation 6. Use eco-friendly equipment 7. Design for sustainability Overall, sustainable landscaping practices prioritize the health and well-being of the environment, which in turn benefits human health and well-being as well.
Business Owner at Alex ash gardening services. Commercial grounds maintenance and gardening services, Rushden. [email protected]
2 年The maintenance is definitely pushing for battery powered gear and big budget landscaping jobs can budget for sustainable gardening however I see far to many 'garden rooms' using formal planting designs instead of cottage style planting. New builds have poor soil quality which makes it impossible to grow!
Business Owner at Alex ash gardening services. Commercial grounds maintenance and gardening services, Rushden. [email protected]
2 年Artificial turf isn't regulated? I would say landscaping isnt sustainable because the majority of people want easy maintenance!