Nature is amazing. We are all stewards of it and we all rely on it. That means it is our role and privilege to care for it. Sustainable landscaping is where this journey begins. Sustainable landscaping can be defined as land manipulation done with the goal of preserving or increasing the ecological value of a site, while simultaneously considering function and aesthetics. On some sites, there is a lot of “nature” to protect, and on others, a lot to be desired. No matter where we start, the principles are the same and can be applied where appropriate.

 

Native plants are like food. We all have to eat, and we can go to the grocery store or the pet store. We can live on either, but one is far greater than the other for sustaining a vibrant and healthy life. Native wildlife is supported greater when native plants are available in the landscape.

 

Remove some lawn to make room for native plants. Lawns are great, but most people agree that they would prefer to mow less than they do.

 

We can manage our own stormwater. Rain gardens, barrels and infiltration beds are fantastic ways to increase the ecological value of a site. Stormwater runoff is the number one source of pollution in urban areas. Our entire lives run downstream. Make it a goal to reduce the amount of stormwater exiting each site.

 

Reduce chemical usage. We don’t have to look far for many reasons why chemicals are not ecologically friendly.

 

Mow less by establishing “low mow” or “no mow” zones in the yard. Always mow the borders along sidewalks and where the zones connect to someone else’s lawn. Be respectful.

 

Tony Campisi is the owner of Campisi Property Service, LLC, a sustainable landscaping company serving York and surrounding counties since 2009. For more information, call 717-586-5522, email [email protected] or visit Facebook.com/CampisiPropertyServiceLlc.