For many people, landscaping is just more yard work — drudgery at its worst. Some people appreciate good landscaping for the curb appeal that it adds to the home. Then there are others who genuinely enjoy working in the yard for the simple pleasures that it brings, but did you know that thoughtful landscaping can really help you become a lot greener (and I’m not just talking about grass-stains). I found a great article from HomePros.com that did an excellent job of explaining the green benefits of good landscaping.

Too often, people think of landscaping as just the backdrop for your home, but it can also help you irrigate, heat, cool and protect your house. You really need to study which plants you choose, and for what purposes they are to be used.

Trees

Everybody loves trees, but let’s take a moment to consider some of the benefits of a well-planted tree. Deciduous tress are great for shade in the summer and actually cool the surrounding air. In the winter, after all the leaves are gone, sunlight naturally trickles in and provides more heat to the home. Conifers are great for a windbreak, or for sections or the home that benefit from year-round shade. Besides, what could be greener than a tree?

Shrubs, Hedges, and Bushes

Other landscaping staples are shrubs, hedges, and bushes. When planted near the side of the home, shrubs, hedges, and bushes can help block reflected heat from radiating into the outer walls. Hedges, especially, are great for screening unwanted neighbors. Shrubs that lose their leaves are also great because they allow more heat to reach the home in winter months.

Grass

Grass is probably the most popular feature in almost any American lawns. However, I must offer a word of caution. Although a lush, green lawn is very appealing, be careful with your watering habits. More water is wasted during the summer through watering the lawn than any other activity. 

Garden Vegetables

Not only does gardening provide you with vegetables, herbs, and even medicinal plants such as aloe; it also does a great job of livening up your landscape. Just be sure to be as green as you can while exercising your green thumb. Compost and mulch are great natural fertilizers that may cost you nothing. Again, don’t over water! 

HomePros.com brought up another great point about landscaping: “Landscaping may involve more than just planting trees, bushes and flowers. Shaping the land itself to provide irrigation and protect the home from collecting water can be a boon both to the surrounding plants and the home’s foundation. Berms, which are essentially large mounds of dirt on which grass or other plants may grow, can protect a home from wind, heat and cold. You may also wish to include masonry or wood to define areas of the yard, creating levels, gardens or recreational areas. ”

A well-landscaped home truly can provide you with a better all-around living environment! (Click Here to see the full article)