5 Ways to Green Your Construction Project

As I mentioned in a recent post, trends show that more and more people are demanding green options in their landscape construction projects. Here are a few simple, low cost ways to help make your construction project more environmentally friendly.

1. Use recycled materials- Use reclaimed bricks or blocks to help cut down and waste. You may even get a discount for saving on costs of materials.

2. Think Permeable- Use permeable pavers or concrete when hardscaping to prevent runoff and erosion.

3. Use Native Plants- If you are incorporating plants into your construction project use native plants to cut back on watering and fertilizer needs.

4. Use Lighter Colors- Using colors that have a high SRI (solar reflectance index) will help reduce the heat island effect which can affect our climate. To do this choose lighter colors when installing hardscaping and roofs.

5. Replace Tree- If your project requires the removal of trees, consider replacing the trees with native one planted at a safe distance from your house and other hard structures.

If you need other tips don't hesitate to set up a consultation with us by calling 301-603-1080 or emailing info@greenfutureus.com

Maryland Native Plants

Great! You're interested in going native! Native plants, that is. Just in time for spring, you want to re-do your garden to be as sustainable as possible. And hey, the fact that native plants require less maintenance is just a natural bonus, right?

Here are a list of some common native Maryland Plants that are great to use in your garden:

Rudbeckia (Black eyed Susan): Add a pop of color with this hardy state flower.

Vibirnum: Nice looking, sturdy shrubs

Rhododendron: Shrubs with big pom-pom like flowers

Cercis canadensis (Redbud): Pretty small tree


Aquilegia canadensis (eastern or wild columbine): Interesting looking flowers


Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman’s breeches): One of my favorites! A pretty heart shaped flower.

Those are a few of my favorites, but the list goes on and on. For a more comprehensive list check out this free pdf: http://www.nativeplantcenter.net/guides/chesapeakenatives.pdf  provided by the native plants center.

Happy Planting!