Landscaping and Outdoor Environment

Eco-Landscaping Makes Sense

Eco-friendly landscaping offers a wide range of landscape design possibilities that can help your home look great while minimizing chemical fertilizers, reducing water consumption and saving money. Lawns and gardens also provide valuable green space and help increase infiltration and decrease the flow of water off your lot. This reduces the demands on the storm sewer system and can decrease contaminants entering the North Saskatchewan River.

Lawns

• Lawns only need 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) of water per week to stay nice and green

Native Plants

• Choose plants that thrive in Edmonton’s local climate
• Learn the types of drought-tolerant plants and native plants suitable for landscaping

Trees

• A well-placed line of evergreens on the north and west side of your home provides shelter against winter winds and reduces your home’s demand for heat
• Deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves) on the south side of your house provide shade in the summer, and sunshine during winter

Soil, Mulch and Compost

• Provide a minimum of 15 centimetres (6 inches) of soil for lawn areas and 30 to 45 centimetres (12 to 18 inches) for shrubs
• Soil should be good quality, contain organic material such as compost and drain well
• Mulching in the spring reduces weeds and the need to water
• Mulching in the fall protects plants against winter
• Use a composting bin to make natural fertilizer and soil conditioner out of household and yard scraps

Irrigation and Rainwater

• Ensure that irrigation systems use drip or low-volume nozzles wherever possible
• Automatic shut-off devices or times are also recommended
• Capture and store rainwater in a cistern or barrel to irrigate your garden