How To Landscape Green

Step 1: Go Native

Cut down on your maintenance and the amount of water you use by simply choosing plants that are native to your area. You don't need to live in Ohio to enjoy Cleveland sage. This stuff survives with minimal water and can grow to be more than eight feet wide!

Step 2: Deciduous

Here's a crazy idea. Plant a tree outside your home and it will help regulate the temperature inside. A deciduous tree loses it's leaves in the winter and blooms in the Spring, adding shade to your home and keeping it cool in the Summer months and letting the sunshine through to warm your home in the winter.

Plant a deciduous tree like the Western Sycamore and it will dress up your yard and help you save some money on your energy bill!

Step 3: Fertilize It

Instead of using dangerous petroleum based or sewage sludge fertilizers, take a shovel full of compost, use a sifter and sprinkle some fresh compost around the base of your plants and trees. In addition to all the organic nutrients, the compost is high in moisture and will help cut down on the amount of water you use.