Eco-Friendly Exteriors: How to Green Your Outdoor Space
This post may contain affiliate links which might earn us money. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy policies hereIf you're inspired to bring the beauty and tranquility of nature into your home garden or outdoor space, this article is your source of inspiration.
Not only can you make your outdoor space greener, but you can do it in an eco-friendly way, creating a slice of nature in your backyard.
Embracing eco-friendly methods and materials enhances outdoor space and contributes to environmental preservation. It's a way to bring nature's essence into your home while safeguarding it from potential harm.
How to Create an Eco-Friendly and Green Outdoor Space
Planting for the Future
As a Chinese proverb wisely states, one generation plants the trees, and another enjoys shade. When you plant trees and plants, remember that they require time and effort to flourish. Some may reach maturity in months, while others may take several years. But the long-term benefits they bring to your outdoor space and the environment are worth the wait.
Pick trees and plants that grow big and tall, bear fruit and vegetables. One aspect of being close to nature involves having a garden that emulates the scale and beauty of natural vegetation. Choose plants that thrive well in your environment.
Ensuring Every Water Drop Counts
Water conservation is critical to sustainable landscaping and creating an eco-friendly but visually appealing outdoor space. Pick plants native to your environment since they require significantly less water and maintenance, all while adding to your home’s beauty and the environment.
Use drip irrigation systems that deliver water to plant roots, reducing waste from evaporation. Use rain barrels to store free and fresh rainwater for your plants.
Using Permeable Surfaces
A porous surface on pathways, patios, and driveways lets rainwater seep into the ground. Refilling groundwater supplies and reducing erosion ensure that your outdoor space combines form with function.
Build your outdoor space using a mix of sustainable materials and permeable surfaces. A few durable and stylish additions include reclaimed wood, fast-growing bamboo, or recycled plastic lumber. This process takes time, so don’t rush to find everything simultaneously. You want to build it piece by piece to get it right.
Take the time to look into exterior home improvement services and sit back while the professionals transform your outdoor space!
Reusing, Repurposing, and Recycling
We often throw away perfectly viable trimmings and scraps when we can repurpose them. By composting organic waste, we can transform it into nutrient-rich, eco-friendly fertilizer for trees and plants. This includes leftover whole food, fruits and vegetables, and some meat trimmings that can be composted.
Biological matter breaks down in the soil, enriching it with various nutrients. This gradual process costs little to nothing and does much good for your garden and the environment. Another benefit of recycling organic waste is keeping it out of landfills and repurposing all the organic material for your home.
Considering Wildlife Habitats
Elevate your outdoor space properly by building little wildlife habitats to give back to nature. Common examples include:
- Birdbaths
- Bird feeders
- Bird houses
- Native food plants
- Brush piles
- Rock gardens
These help birds and small animals take refuge around your home in different ways. Some can feed and drink water, while others can pass by and feel safe. Birds and squirrels can call your outdoor space home, further improving the natural feel of it all.
Greener Pastures Await
We’ve managed to push nature further back as populations grow and demand for living spaces skyrocket. With the environment feeling the heat of our actions, it’s essential to do your part in reclaiming nature in whichever way you can.
Eco-friendly exteriors cannot be bought; they are built. Building the perfect outdoor space takes time, effort, and patience. However, the effort pays dividends in the present and future.
To turn your outdoor space greener, plant trees suitable to your environment, employ water conservation techniques, and use permeable surfaces. Also, use eco-friendly fertilizer and add birdbaths, bird houses, and rock gardens to build wildlife habitats.