In recent years, many property owners have started to implement sustainable practices into their landscaping designs and routines. And while sustainability might seem like just another trendy buzzword, its potential benefits are nothing short of timeless. To put it simply, it’s not difficult to convince people of sustainability’s positive environmental impact. Aesthetics, on the other hand, not so much. Fortunately, you can have your cake and eat it too because modern-day sustainability doesn’t mean having to sacrifice beautiful visuals for the sake of environmental conscientiousness. Below, we’ve helped by compiling a list of sustainable landscaping trends perfect for Charlotte property owners to try this summer, and beyond. 

Start Small by Modifying Your Existing Landscape 

Realistically, the average homeowner might not have the time or means to completely overhaul their Landscape and that’s completely understandable! The beauty of sustainability is that even small changes can yield positive outcomes. By making minor tweaks and modifications to your existing landscape, you can render it more eco-friendly within a matter of minutes. For instance, give your landscape a new and refreshed look by outfitting it with natural rocks and stones. Not only will it increase the aesthetic appeal of your space, but these types of rocks are ideal for protecting Plant beds, creating low-maintenance pathways, and enhancing the flow of water throughout your property. 

Other ways to make your landscape eco-friendlier include switching out nitrate fertilizers for organic composts and ditching harmful materials like Garden ornaments made of lead and mulches with negative side effects like shredded tire mulch. On the contrary, adding to your landscape things like solar lights can help with providing long-term lighting solutions that also bring you peace of mind by decreasing your electricity bill and allowing you to forgo complicated electrical wire setups. Over time, these small but meaningful changes will make your Charlotte NC landscape more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.

Plant that Vegetable Garden You’ve Always Wanted

Are skyrocketing grocery store prices burning a hole in your wallet? Now’s the perfect time to consider planting your very own garden. Not only will a garden save you money at the grocery store, but it can also provide the materials needed for things like organic mulch Charlotte NC and compost. That’s right, the very materials produced in your garden can be repurposed elsewhere in your landscape, and nothing says sustainability like recycling and repurposing. 

Furthermore, you don’t have to live on a property with a sprawling lawn to enjoy the benefits of a garden. Even people living in the middle of the city, and other urban spaces, can get creative by utilizing potted plants and vertical gardens. You can even take things a step further by starting a community garden if your area doesn’t yet have one. And when it comes to sustainability, community gardens offer endless benefits. Here in North Carolina, the NC State Extension offers heaps of helpful information on how to start a garden, at both the personal level and the community level. Community gardens are definitely a labor of love, but when properly cared for, they will feed generations of North Carolinians to come. 

Even though the 2023 spring planting season is officially in the rearview mirror, you can still prepare your space for next year’s spring planting season over the summer. Or, if your heart’s set on starting your garden right now, there are still plenty of vegetables you can plant and incubate during the summer and fall months. Given the temperate nature of North Carolina’s climates, there are also a number of vegetables and fruits you can grow year-round. Once again, the NC State Extension has made an extremely helpful planting calendar that details when to plant vegetables, fruits, and herbs based on your specific ecoregion in North Carolina. As a part of the Piedmont region, Charlotte locals should follow the Piedmont guidelines on the calendar for the best results.

Go Native and Landscape According to Your Local Ecology

From sea to shining sea, the United States is known for being diverse, both in people and landscape. Our country alone is home to great plains, mountain vistas, swamplands, marshes, and beaches of all varieties. Each state has its own unique ecological profile, in fact, sometimes a singular state can vary dramatically in terms of climate. While certain plants tend to perform well across the board, one way to promote the well-being of your immediate community is to opt for native plant life in your landscape designs and garden.

What are native plants and why are they so important? Native plants are plants that developed in a region naturally, without any human intervention. They are important for a myriad of reasons. For starters, they are essential to promoting an area’s immediate ecology so local fauna and flora can prosper.  In essence, ecosystems are highly delicate, and our landscaping choices have a meaningful impact on local plant, insect, and animal populations. Unfortunately, a lot of the plants that you can pick up at your local nursery are alien and exotic. While they might look beautiful and perform decently, most of these alien varieties can sever food webs, outcompete native plant life, and degrade local habitats.

As previously mentioned, climates can vary within the borders of a singular state. Here in North Carolina alone, we are fortunate to live amongst spectacular coastal towns and the stunning Appalachian Mountains. While sticking to native plant life might sound like it would be limiting to your landscape design, rest assured there are plenty of varieties to choose from, and many of them make beautiful additions to any property. As always, the NC State Extension has come through with a comprehensive gardening handbook available online, and for free. The handbook features an entire section dedicated to North Carolina’s native plant life. 

Be Conscious of the Inorganic Materials Used on Your Property

When designing your ultimate outdoor oasis, keep in mind that you can also promote an eco-friendlier space by being cognizant of the inorganic materials you introduce into your landscape. Believe it or not, certain types of patio furniture, pavement, and even dinnerware can help you maintain an eco-friendly approach. When purchasing landscape materials Charlotte NC, if possible, opt for brands that utilize recyclable or natural materials. A lot of local vendors and suppliers can help guide you in the right direction, as they often feature local brands.

While it might seem expensive to do so, you might be surprised to learn that a lot of lot of eco-friendly brands are also relatively affordable. It might take some research, but your landscape will thank you for choosing eco-friendly options for years and years to come!

To learn more about our high-quality materials and explore our wide range of products, visit our website at https://andolinamaterials.com or give us a call today at (704) 882-1610.  Andolina Materials is here to assist you with all your material needs!