How to Turn Your Denver Landscape Design Into a Sustainable Garden
October 19, 2020
The Colorado wildfires currently raging across the state are making more homeowners across the Denver metro area hyper-aware of their water use. Though fall often means Denver landscaping and gardens are starting to go dormant, this year’s excessively warm temperatures have extended the growing season well into the fall. If you’re worried about watering bans and don’t want to watch your yard diminish into a brown mess, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are a few things you can do for future years to make your landscape design into a more sustainable and less water-dependent feature on your property. Here are a few simple tips to implement as soon as you can.
Mulch Your Garden Beds
We’ve talked about mulch in the past and it bears repeating: mulching your garden beds and growing areas can help trap moisture in the soil where it belongs. If you haven’t already, spread a thick layer of mulch around the growing areas in your yard. This will protect the soil from the sun’s UV rays and reduces the risk of evaporation causing your plants to dry out prematurely. You’ll have to water less frequently and will be able to enrich the soil at the same time.
Plant Drought-Resistant Species
Mulch is a great way to trap moisture, but it’s not enough to keep your yard looking great at all times. To do that, you need to plant drought-resistant species throughout your landscape design. By adding these elements, you’ll reduce your water consumption and will be able to enjoy a yard that looks great even when other yards in your neighborhood start to look brown and boring.
Incorporate More Hardscape Elements
Another easy way to make your yard less water-dependent without diminishing the impact your landscaping has on your home’s curb appeal is to add hardscape elements to your yard. These are stone and non-plant elements that increase the visual impact of your landscaping without increasing your water usage. Benches, decorative walls, and visually attractive patios and walkways are just the beginning. The best thing you can do is speak with your landscaping expert about the best elements for your yard and design.
Collect Rainwater Naturally
Even the most drought-resistant yards need a bit of water now and then. Though it won’t help you this fall, consider installing rainwater collection barrels to trap water as it falls from the sky. All you have to do is install them around your gutter downspouts and let the runoff from your roof collect in the barrel after every storm. You can then use this water to keep your plants hydrated without relying on your sprinkler system or increasing your home’s water usage every month.
Try These Things in Your Yard Now
If you’re worried about your landscaping this fall, don’t ignore it. Be proactive. Try these simple tips in your yard and make improvements before the next growing season starts. Not sure where to begin? Schedule a consultation with our team and let us help you find the best, water-friendly landscape design for your yard and your budget.
Go Back Mulch Your Garden Beds
We’ve talked about mulch in the past and it bears repeating: mulching your garden beds and growing areas can help trap moisture in the soil where it belongs. If you haven’t already, spread a thick layer of mulch around the growing areas in your yard. This will protect the soil from the sun’s UV rays and reduces the risk of evaporation causing your plants to dry out prematurely. You’ll have to water less frequently and will be able to enrich the soil at the same time.
Plant Drought-Resistant Species
Mulch is a great way to trap moisture, but it’s not enough to keep your yard looking great at all times. To do that, you need to plant drought-resistant species throughout your landscape design. By adding these elements, you’ll reduce your water consumption and will be able to enjoy a yard that looks great even when other yards in your neighborhood start to look brown and boring.
Incorporate More Hardscape Elements
Another easy way to make your yard less water-dependent without diminishing the impact your landscaping has on your home’s curb appeal is to add hardscape elements to your yard. These are stone and non-plant elements that increase the visual impact of your landscaping without increasing your water usage. Benches, decorative walls, and visually attractive patios and walkways are just the beginning. The best thing you can do is speak with your landscaping expert about the best elements for your yard and design.
Collect Rainwater Naturally
Even the most drought-resistant yards need a bit of water now and then. Though it won’t help you this fall, consider installing rainwater collection barrels to trap water as it falls from the sky. All you have to do is install them around your gutter downspouts and let the runoff from your roof collect in the barrel after every storm. You can then use this water to keep your plants hydrated without relying on your sprinkler system or increasing your home’s water usage every month.
Try These Things in Your Yard Now
If you’re worried about your landscaping this fall, don’t ignore it. Be proactive. Try these simple tips in your yard and make improvements before the next growing season starts. Not sure where to begin? Schedule a consultation with our team and let us help you find the best, water-friendly landscape design for your yard and your budget.