We love the outdoors.
Let’s do our part to take care of this beautiful world we live in.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
We start with smart irrigation design, using correctly sized pipe/materials along with proper spray head coverage. For new and renovated systems, we limit overspray, run-off and evaporation by using MP Rotator nozzles and drip irrigation.
MP Rotators are high efficiency nozzles that deliver rotating streams of water. This heavier stream is not affected by wind, meaning the water reliably makes it to your lawn, instead of misting away. The slow application rate also allows water to gently soak into the soil with an even distribution of water throughout the irrigated area. This increased efficiency results in 30% less water use when compared to traditional sprays.
Drip irrigation is our main strategy for watering landscape plants because it is incredibly efficient, delivery water directly at the roots and reducing evaporation. This slow and concentrated application allows for large zone capacity with many plants irrigated by a single valve, saving water and money. It also reduces the risk of disease as foliage remains dry.
One of the main reasons clients contact us is because they are looking to improve the look of their landscape while using water and time efficiently. We promote xeriscape landscapes because they can be beautiful, low maintenance and use less water than traditional landscapes.
Using water-wise plant does not mean using only yucca and cactus! To the contrary, a xeric and native planting plan can be lush, colorful and textured. It is important to address soil health and irrigation design for a successful xeriscape. This includes amending the soil and irrigating according to the plant’s needs.
Reconsider your lawn needs. Lawns are great for recreation and high traffic areas. Reducing the footprint of your lawn or eliminating it altogether, easily done in a smaller front yard, can be liberating – no more mowing, fertilizing, watering! Dynamic xeriscapes do take careful design and should include mixed materials, including boulders, large cobble rock, rock and bark mulches. While the initial cost of this type of landscape can be significant, the cost savings in maintenance and water pay off.
Amending soils with organic matter combats the clay composition found in most soils. Amending the soil will improve soil drainage and nutrient content. If you have problematic soil, we can also test the content to determine a specific amendment program. Amending soils with a rate of 4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet is a standard application rate on the front range.
Furthermore, we believe a healthy landscape starts in the soil. Nothing gets your plants off to a better start than a bountiful supply of organic macro and micronutrients as well as natural organisms such as mycorrhizae, a beneficial fungus that creates a symbiotic relationship with plant roots to increase water and nutrient uptake. Between backfilling our plantings with a soil mix that includes organic, slow-release fertilizers, and root-feeding the new plants with a custom, compost tea, we are giving your plants a head start down a vigorous path of establishment and long-term health.
We prefer using bark mulches whenever prudent as these retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, prevent soil temperature extremes and reduce evaporation and erosion. When used without weed barrier fabric, these mulches can also feed the soil as the mulch fibers break down.
Recycling Plant Debris & Hardscape Materials
In an effort to maintain sustainable practices within our industry and community, we work hard to go the extra mile to make sure we are keeping viable landscape products out of the landfill. On nearly all projects, we separate materials being removed from the project to make sure organic debris can be turned into compost, concrete can be re-purposed as crushed aggregate, metals can be recycled, and hardscape products such as rock, pavers and lumber can be posted online to find a new home in the neighborhood! This helps keep cost down and is the right thing to do for our environment.
For more information check out this Colorado-specific guide on sustainability from design through installation and maintenance from ALCC.