» Hardscapes

Going Green in the Landscape

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:36:50 +0000

Landscaping is generally thought of as “green’, but it could be even MORE green through several other treatments. These include:

• Rainwater harvesting and rain barrels

• Rain gardens and bioswales (bioretention)

• Permeable pavers

• LED Lighting

• Native plantings

• Green roofs

The water harvesting, bioretention, and native plantings can all result in the use of less water than you’re currently using, plus there’s the added benefit of sending less water into the storm water system. The rain water that is captured can then be used for watering plants in the garden. Permeable pavers allow water to soak into the ground rather than running off into the storm water system. Green roofs, which have been in use in Europe for decades, also reduce runoff and will help to reduce temperature fluctuations of the indoor areas.

Think about this: you pay for your water, then you pay for it to be taken away (in the form of taxes that are used to build ever-larger storm water systems).

LED lighting is a relatively new trend in outdoor lighting, and although there is a higher initial cost for the fixtures, the cost will be lower over the lifetime of the fixtures from lower energy usage.

An excellent website to visit that shows a demonstration project with many of these green items is: http://www.delafleur.com/168_Elm/index.htm

Does Landscaping Add To My Home’s Value?

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:05:42 +0000

Landscaping is the wisest investment you can make to add value to your Oklahoma home.
The National Gardening Association states that “homeowners spent $36.8 billion on lawns and gardens in 2003, of which $11.4 billion was spent on landscaping. It offers the best return on investment of any home improvement you can make”.

"Homes that are nicely landscaped will have at least a 4 to 5 percent higher value when compared to similar properties in the neighborhood", according to the Guide for Plant Appraisal, published by the International Society of Arboriculture. There are other benefits of landscaping as well: properly-located trees and shrubs can provide shade against the summer heat, block winds and undesirable views, and provide a pleasant retreat from the stresses of the day.

A good rule of thumb is to invest 5 to 10 percent of your home’s value on landscaping. Besides plants and trees, your Oklahoma landscape can also include hardscape items such as decks, arbors, pergolas and trellises.

Other landscape features that add value include a waterfall, bubbler, fountain or swimming pool. Call Grooms Irrigation, Edmond Oklahoma for a consultation about your landscape needs. (405) 348-2557.