Planet-Saving Backyard Landscaping for Eco-Conscious Homeowners in Madison and Chatham, NJ, Areas

Lawn care is essential, but so is caring for our planet. The following planet-saving backyard landscaping ideas can be just what you need to care for a Madison and Chatham, NJ, area property in an eco-conscious way.

Related: Landscape Maintenance in the Late Fall: How We Prepare for Winter in Chatham Township NJ

Why Eco-Conscious Landscaping?

As they look into beautifying and maintaining their landscape, many homeowners are increasingly concerned about the use of pesticides and other lawn care treatments that are known for taking a toll on the environment. The issue becomes how to battle the pests and weeds and stressors that can make a lawn look less than exceptional. 

This is where eco-conscious products and approaches can be prioritized. Not only will you be taking care of the landscape but also the earth. 

Native Plants for the Backyard

When your landscape service is invested in an eco-friendly approach to landscape ideas, installing native plants can be one of the top recommendations. Because they naturally grow in our area, native plants can thrive with less water, lower maintenance, and under natural conditions. 

With so many native choices, there is no shortage of small ornamental trees like the river birch or boxelder. Trees that grow large and majestic include the willow, maple, and oak, which can be excellent for landscape beds. 

There are corresponding flowers, groundcovers, and shrubs that can make your backyard shine with little maintenance. A bonus to choosing native species is that they tend to attract bees, butterflies, and birds to the yard for a naturally showy display of wildlife.

Proper Mulching

Mulch can serve a greater purpose than just making a landscape bed look amazing—your landscapers know that the mulch will eventually break down into organic matter for the beneficial organisms that keep your soil healthy. Mulch also serves to keep the moisture in the landscape beds for your plants and trees to use, reducing the amount of water they require to thrive. 

Reduced Grassy Space

Another way to reduce your carbon footprint can be to eliminate some of the grassy space within the backyard. Your landscaper can install beautiful stone walkways to connect parts of the yard and plan designated grassy areas for lawn games such as badminton and turning cartwheels. 

Minimized Erosion

An excellent landscape solution to run-off from rainstorms can be to install a retaining wall. Built of selected stone and handset like a puzzle, a landscaper can create a wall that remedies the erosion problem while installing a retaining wall with a one-of-a-kind look. They can incorporate landscape lighting for nighttime beauty while freeing up previously unusable space for a patio, outdoor kitchen, or play area. 

Electric Mowing

When your landscaper uses an electric mower instead of a gas-powered one, there is no exhaust or fumes that come from the gas, no filters to replace, and very little maintenance to be done for proper working order. 

An electric mower is lightweight and relatively energy-efficient, as it can get into small spaces with ease. It emits no harmful chemicals into the environment since there is no fuel or oil discharge.

Composting

Composted material can be rich in nutrients and microbes, which can naturally improve your soil without added chemicals. 

Related: 5 Landscaping Ideas for an Intimate Backyard in Harding and Mendham Township, NJ, Areas