When designing, building or even remodeling a home to be very energy efficient, much time is spent on the building envelope, electrical systems and appliances. But did you know that exterior landscaping can affect the energy performance of your home?
What do the pros say? The American Society of Landscape Architects offer online guides on a variety of topics to plan your beautiful and sustainable oasis.
Redwood lumber is naturally strong and durable, shrinks and swells less than other woods, and is less likely to warp or split. This natural strength, combined with its environmental benefits, makes redwood an ideal choice for any number of landscaping designs.
Did you know traditional asphalt shingles are a petroleum product and require replacement every 15-20 years (or sooner), resulting in about 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles ending up in U.S. landfills every year? According to industry data, roughly 7 million U.S. homeowners replace their roof each year and many are looking for new ‘green’, energy-saving options. Here’s what you should know about metal.
Before the 1950′s, clover was considered an essential and desired part of lawns. Then 2,4D broadleaf killer came on the market and smart marketing by the chemical companies influenced homeowners that anything but grass in their lawn was a weed. Clover’s benefits include high drought tolerance and nitrogen fixation – which make for an attractive and low maintenance “green” green lawn – no chemicals or fertilizer needed. Traditional manicured lawns use tons of water, broad leaf weed killers, and fertilizer. Adding clover to your lawn can end the need for this waste.
With renewed enthusiasm for the outdoors, today’s homeowners are embracing thoughtful design, stylish plantings and smart technology to enhance their landscapes as extensions of their homes.
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