Environmentally Friendly Building & Landscaping Techniques

Guest Post by Andrea Erickson

Building and landscaping don’t have to be detrimental to their environment. Although it’s important to do the best you can for your property so that it lasts a long time and looks incredible, it’s also important that you do a lot for the environment around your home.

After all, your property can only last as long as the environment it’s in.

These are the top tips for anyone wanting to take on building and landscaping in an environmentally just way.

1. Choose Native Plants

The largest way anyone can quickly add environmental perks to their property is to add and use native plants. Not only are native plants a great way to increase your property’s connection to the outside world, but it also ensures that you aren’t contributing to the erasure of these plants.

Look into what plants are native to your area, and consider planting a wildflower garden, which can help local pollinators, and planting local shrub and tree life. Not only will these give your property a look that ensures it fits in with the land it occupies, but it also allows you to increase your immunity during allergy season.

2. Build Your Property to be Waterproof

Water is one of the most damaging forces in the world. Unfortunately, that means that taking steps like waterproofing foundation walls is a must since it means that you’ll keep moisture out and increase your property’s lasting power.

This is important for every area, but especially in areas more prone to flooding or if you have a basement that’s likely to capture more moisture than the rest of your home.

3. Keep Your Grass High and Dry

Many trim their grass once a week, never letting it get longer than a couple of inches, but many studies have found this is wasteful and decreases your lawn’s ability to absorb water. Instead, allow your grass to grow a height of four to five inches before you mow. Not only does this cut down on how much physical work you have to put into your lawn, but it also increases your lawn’s absorption.

4. Harvest Rainwater

Rainwater is one of the best free things we can receive. Although it’s unsafe to drink if not treated, and many cities have laws about gathering rainwater, if it’s legal in your area, it’s an awesome way to help your lawn and garden without consuming more tap water than needed.

The best way to do this is to set a rain barrel at the base of one of your gutters and allow it to collect over time. Ensure that there’s a tight lid on it when it’s not in use, or you may discover insect life like mosquitoes growing within it.

5. Use Environmentally Friendly Materials

The materials you use can make a huge difference. Consider creating steel buildings that can handle the weather and storms while also having an incredibly low impact on the environment. You can take this further on the interior of your home, ensuring that all wood is ethically sourced and that you build your HVAC system to be able to work more efficiently while still offering the temperatures you’re most comfortable at.

Using the right materials can allow you to still enjoy the perks of modern life without the guilt of plastics and other poorly chosen materials.

6. Plant a Rain Garden

Rain gardens are one of the best ways to get the most out of what nature has while also ensuring water doesn’t build up on your property. In the same way that tilt-up construction is laid out precisely to allow every detail to fall in place and support each other: your rain garden needs to be masterfully planned to absorb any extra moisture without allowing your lawn to flood.

This means a mixture of deep-rooted and shallow plants, which can be native to your area. Not only will they filter whatever water passes through them, but they’ll also ensure that you don’t have to deal with thinking about flooding every time it rains.

7. Guide Excess Water Away

If a rain garden isn’t enough, and you get nervous for your property every time a rain cloud appears, it’s a good idea to look into landscape drainage solutions. These can guide water out and away from your property, never forcing your yard to take on more water than it can handle.

In return, this protects your property from flooding and ensures that you don’t have to stress about losing your basement or dealing with issues like wood rot around your home. Of course, you should be mindful about where that water ends up.

Every Property Can be Environmentally Friendly

Whether this is your first time dipping your toes into environmentally friendly construction and building, or you want to make large changes and plan to start here, consider following some of the tips above! Not only will they help your property look incredible, but they’ll also give you the chance to give back to your area.

Contact PRK Williams Building Group

PRK Williams Building Group specializes in building safe, healthy homes. Our healthy homes boast fresh, clean air; safe, healthy surfaces; filtered, clean water; and pest free and moisture protection. Contact PRK Williams Building Group for you whole-home solutions, (319) 538-2989.

Andrea Erickson is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. She is a blogger and content writer. Andrea is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.