What does sustainable landscaping mean? There are varying definitions but sustainable landscaping should include an attractive environment that is in balance with the local climate and requires minimal resource inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides and water. Sustainable landscaping begins with an appropriate design that includes functional, cost efficient, visually pleasing, environmentally friendly and maintainable areas.

There are short-term as well as long-term goals for a sustainable landscape. For example, a short-term goal may include saving water or implementing and using a compost bin. Composting locally grown crops and kitchen waste and returning it back to the garden increases the organic matter in the garden while recycling nutrients within the landscape. A long-term goal may be to create a more self-sustaining garden. This includes all aspects of total plant health care, proper plant selection, reduced inputs and maintainability.

The new generation of artificial turf is nothing like the tacky fake grass we're all familiar with. Not only does artificial turf eliminate the enormous quantity of water required to keep sod lawns alive and healthy, but it feels soft, looks very realistic, and in many cases, is made from post consumer recyceld materiials. Several manufacturers are even LEEDs certified.

The choice of building materials within the landscape is extensive. Some materials may be reused and others should be avoided due to negative environmental fate. For example, reusing broken concrete to erect retaining walls is good because it may lend visual excitement and reduce the amount of the material going into the landfill. Also, new recycled plastic material also may be an appropriate choice. However, an example of inappropriate material may be reusing creosote impregnated railroad ties to build a raised bed. This is bad because the chemicals used to treat the wood are not safe to grow food crops near.

Landscaping with native wildflowers and grasses improves the environment. Natural landscaping brings a taste of wilderness to urban, suburban, and corporate settings by attracting a variety of birds, butterflies and other animals. Once established, native plants do not need fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or watering, thus benefiting the environment and reducing maintenance costs. Gardeners and admirers enjoy the variety of colors, shapes, and seasonal beauty of these plants. For more information, view this presentation developed by Danielle Green of the Great Lakes National Program Office and Dan Welker of EPA Region 3. The colorful slides present information on the environmental impacts to air, water, land and biodiversity of traditional landscaping and offer alternatives such as using native plants in the landscape. This presentation was developed as part of the Smithsonian Institution's Horticultural Services Division winter in-service training program. It has also been adapted for presentation at various conferences around the country.

Municipalities and other government agencies are moving toward decreasing light pollution. Incorporate appropriate light schemes into the landscape. That means down lighting, rather than up lighting techniques must be used. One solution is to use solar garden lighting versus electric lighting. Solar lights are typically dimmer than other types of wired landscape lighting and they do not use consumable energy.

Permeable Paving Surfaces are outdoor surfaces that allow water to absorb into the ground or into holding tanks instead of channeling through the storm drain systems. Helps reduce the amount of storm drain runoff and pollutants that enter the ocean.