Landscape Design Trends 2015

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ALSA), going green is a trend for 2015. Some of the projects that are expected to be in highest demand are:

Native plants (85 percent)

Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (83 percent)

Food/vegetable gardens (79 percent)

Fire pits/fireplaces (78 percent)

Low-maintenance landscapes (78 percent)

Permeable paving (77 percent)

Drip/water-efficient irrigation (74 percent)

Rain gardens (74 percent)

Lighting (72 percent)

Rainwater/graywater harvesting (71 percent)

(http://www.asla.org/NewsReleaseDetails.aspx?id=46048)

Clearly people are looking for more eco-friendly options in their landscape. Using native plants and drought-tolert plants is a low cost way to make your yard more environmentally friendly.  Permeable pavers are great for creating a hardscape space that doesn't compromise drainage.

Still, the trends report from ASLA sites that the classic outdoor structures are still highly popular. Outdoor structures were ranked in order of popularity:

• Pergolas – 51.0% 
• Decks – 45.0% 
• Fencing – 42.0% 
• Arbors – 41.0% 
• Porches – 38.0% 
• ADA accessible structures (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) – 31.0%
• Pavilions – 31.0% 
• Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) – 29.0%
• Play structures (treehouses, swing sets, etc.) – 25.0% 
• Gazebos – 19.0%

(http://www.asla.org/NewsReleaseDetails.aspx?id=46048)

Pergolas ranked number one! If you are interested in installing a pergola, check out our showroom in Laurel, MD where we have 2 on display. Decks are number two on the list and we offer great decking solutions too! 

If you are interested in finding out more about landscape design trends in 2015, call 301-603-1080 for a complementary consultation.

Green Future: Next Generation

My son is now old enough to enjoy movies. This means that sometimes, on Sunday nights we curl up on the couch with the latest animated flick on Netflix. While some movies are better than others, I have started noticing that the theme of many of these movies is protecting the earth.

This got me thinking, will the use of this type of propaganda help create a generation of people who care more about the earth? Will the next generation be more "green" than this one. Will we be able to stop our reliance on fossil fuels and tame global warming in the next generation.

I know that it will take much more than a few cartoons, but I am hopeful.

Look at all the technological advances that this generation has seen. Think about if all the time and energy that goes into producing the next generation of iphones went into protecting our environment.

My dream is for Green Future to become more environmentally friendly as time goes on. I hope that we can find ways to reuse or recycle more scrap materials, that we can make use of scrap wood and woodchips, that we can help people protect and save trees rather than remove them.

Who's with me? What are you doing to give the next generation a "green future."

How to make your Yard "Green" for Spring

There are many ways you can improve your yard for spring, and incorporating a little "green" into your landscape is a great place to start.  Here are some tips and ideas on how to make your yard more eco-friendly: Fix Drainage- If you have flooding or erosion install a drainage system. Helping to disperse water prevents run-off and erosion which can damage ecosystems.  Mulch- Mulching also helps prevent run-off and erosion. In addition, it is a great natural way to help nourish and protect your trees and shrubs.  Buy in Bulk- Why waste all that packaging when bulk mulch and gravel is usually cheaper anyway. We now sell bulk items at our store in Laurel, MD.  Think Permeable- Permeable pavers and concrete are great options for hardscaping that are more environmentally friendly because they help to filter water naturally, preventing erosion and run-off.  Go Native- Use native plants, which are better adapted to your environment and thus require less maintenance, water and chemical fertilizer. If you try any of these or other tips for having a "greener" yard please let us know how it works for you!

Twisted Cistern!

Couldn't resist a little 'heavy metal' pun in the title. But all bad jokes aside, cisterns and rain barrels are a great solution for anyone looking to reduce water costs, landscape sustainably and help reduce water overflow and run-off.

Cisterns and rain barrels are essentially the same thing. Cisterns are large rain barrels. They are both large tanks that capture water from a collection area (i.e. downspout). These tanks can be used to capture, store and reuse rain water. The tanks can be installed either below or above ground, but require a proper base since a full tank can weigh a few hundred pounds and may sink if not installed correctly.

Rain water from most roofs can be considered "gray water" and can be used for processes such as watering plants and flushing toilets. In addition, using a cistern or rain barrel reduces the load of storm water and helps prevent run-off. It also helps reduce the use of potable water for irrigation.

For a relatively low cost, you can install a cistern with some accessories to water your plants and help reduce your water costs. Cisterns and Rain barrels are low maintenance but typically require a cleaning once a year and regular inspection to ensure seals are functional and that there are no clogs in the system.

If you are interested in this or other great green landscaping/construction solutions please give us a call 301-603-1080.

Spotlight on Green Roofing.

Ever seen a house that looked like it was sporting a toupee of grass? While there are varying degrees of green roofing, from partially covered to fully covered green roofing is a sustainable trend that has been on the rise in recent years.

Green roofs can be installed in place of or in complement to traditional roofing. The vegetation typically weighs more than traditional roofing so a structural engineer may be needed to verify that the building can support the weight. In addition, the plants may require a drainage or irrigation system and additional care must be taking to waterproof the area below the plants to prevent leaks that may damage the structure of the building.

Although the structure of the green roof is more complex, there are many benefits that come along with it. In addition to absorbing rainfall and helping to prevent runoff, green roofs also provide additional insulation which helps reduce heating and cooling costs. Green roofing also helps to reduce the heat island effect, filters pollutants and provides habitats for wildlife.

If you are interested in installing a green roof but worried about the cost, check out this cool cost estimator, which compares the cost of a green roof, a traditional asphalt roof and a white roof over time.

Green New Year

Happy New Year!

Have you made any resolutions for 2013? While most people's resolutions involve losing weight or getting organized, being good to the environment is a noble goal that is often over looked.

That's why, this year I have decided to go a little bit greener with green future.

First, I've added a line at the bottom of our signature in e-mails to help remind readers to consider the environment before printing the e-mail out. Did you know that more than 50% of papers printed out are never used? You can get your own paper-saving signature here: http://thinkbeforeprinting.org/.

Next, I've been working really hard to get a co-mingled recycling plan going at our office. Studies show that people are more likely to participate in a recycling program if its all inclusive, because it is less complicated. Unfortunately, the waste removal company I have been working with has been really slow about getting us quotes and information on the recycling plan. Although it has been a frustrating process, I intend to persevere. If your office does not have a recycling program, encourage them to do the same, even if it means someone takes the recyclables home with them.

Third, I've been trying to find ways to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This means buying and wasting less materials, which will hopefully help us save money, which we can then pass on as more savings for our clients. It also means using responsibly sourced materials, such as FSC certified wood.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I want to focus on being a ONE STOP SHOP. This is our new tag line and it is surprisingly a great way to be more environmentally friendly. Think about it, by offering all services in house, we save lots of driving time, which helps prevent harmful carbon emissions. By using our company you eliminate the need for several contractors to come to the site thus preventing the excessive use of gas for transportation.

So my questions to you are what are your New Years Resolutions and will you incorporate any new behaviors to "Stay green?"

Simple ways to Go green and Save Green

Most people think going green has to be synonymous with spending green. But before you go and drop big bucks on those organic cotton sheets, check out these tips for how to be environmentally conscious and save money at the same time.

1. Install native plants
-You will save money on installation & maintenance.
-Native plants usually cost less because they are easier to come by
-Native plants require less time and water for maintenance since they are already adapted to the climate

2. Use alternate systems for irrigation
-1 sq. foot of yard requires a little over .6 gallons of water to be covered by 1" of water. To cover a typical lawn of 100' x 100' requires 6200 gallons of water!
You get charged both for using the water and the sewage that it produces so costs can add up quickly.
-Alternate methods include installing a rain cistern or barrel, and using rain water for irrigation purposes, you could also use a drip irrigation system or avoid watering your grass at all!
-For drainage, rain gardens are an inexpensive solution

3. Simple weatherproofing
-For a few dollars you can by weatherproof tape and door stops to install on doors that lead to the outside to prevent drafts and heat loss.
-Install thermal curtains ($20-$80 a set) According to the Department of Energy (DOE), 25% of the energy used to heat and cool homes goes right out the window. These curtains will help you save $4-$8 per window per year
-Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket (about $40) and save about $100/ year on energy costs.

4.Green Clean
Vinegar makes a great non-toxic environmentally friendly cleaning product. It disinfects and leaves a nice shine. Use it on everything from glass to silk plants. Add a few drops of essential oils if you are not keen on the smell.

5. Make a few simple changes around the home:
-Energy efficient light bulbs. (will save you about $35/year over 5 years)
-Reduce your thermostat by 2 degrees in the winter and increase it 2 degrees in the summer
-Replace shower heads with slightly lower flow versions
-Buy a pack of rags for cleaning rather than using disposable wipes
-Clean the vents for appliances (refrigerator, microwave, dryer, HVAC) things will run more efficiently saving money and energy.

What are your tips for going green and saving money?