SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

Green and sustainable are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different. The EPA defines sustainability as the “Creating and maintaining of conditions under which human and nature exist in harmony, that permit the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.” At LandCrafters, we embrace sustainable landscaping and realize that it is more a process or journey rather than a destination. It is a function of our role as “Caretaker” – not only for our clients and our own needs, but for those of our larger community and world. It is very important to remember that sustainable landscaping must be attractive and in balance, while minimizing inputs including fertilizer, pesticides, gasoline, time and water!

Sustainable Landscape Design

 

It all starts with the landscape design. A sustainable design is cost efficient, functional, visually pleasing, environmentally friendly and maintainable. Some high profile solutions which might be suggested are rain gardens, rainwater capture systems, permeable paving, LED lighting or even a green roof. But sustainable landscapes also require adaptable, appropriate plants; proper development of soil structure and fertility; decreased mown lawn; and diversity. To build soils we incorporate quality compost from Purple Cow Organics and Biosolid Fertilizers. To conserve moisture and reduce erosion, our beds are mulched with shredded Wisconsin hardwood bark mulch. We utilize locally grown plant material from quality growers in Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

We use local quarries for all our natural stone – outcropping stones, cut stone for walls and veneer for masonry. We also get all our plants from local suppliers so that shipping is minimized conserving gas from shipping as well as making sure the plants are used to or acclimated to our region.

Examine further some pleasing examples of our ability to incorporate sustainable solutions into landscapes:

Local Materials

Permeable Paving

Rain Water Collection Systems

Rain Gardens

LED Lighting