Green Options and Practices Page

While the catchphrase for any American business these days is “green and sustainable,” it seems obvious that practitioners in the horticultural field—the green industry—are the originals in this current trend of thinking. It’s a philosophy that should be embraced and practiced by everyone, particularly those whose jobs are to improve and beautify the surroundings we hired them to work on. Consider my company’s practices when we work in your garden:

• In the pre-construction phase of the landscaping there’s usually a certain amount of demolition, plant or rubbish removal, and cleanup. We try to separate “like” loads where practical, and always dispose of them at a licensed recycling center or landfill.
• Soil is a mix of minerals, organic matter, living organisms, and air space. A healthy soil builds a healthy landscape. We have the knowledge and tools to evaluate, and if necessary, improve the physical and biological conditions of your garden's soil.
• Proper pruning has many “green” benefits. We employ natural and improved pruning practices that work with your trees’ and shrubs’ anatomy, resulting in a healthier and more attractive existing landscape.
• By working closely with a professional landscape designer or architect, you will understand the unique conditions of your site and the purpose of the design. By choosing the right plant in the right place, your garden will be healthy and beautiful, with less work and money spent. Proper plant selection and placement is one of the most important ways to conserve resources and prevent pollution.
• We can help to make your landscape healthier and more resistant to pest problems by employing sound green gardening practices—and in reducing your pesticide use, you not only help the environment, but your family’s health as well.
• Water is a shared, limited resource. We reduce runoff, pollution, water bills, and improve plant health by properly designing, installing, and maintaining an irrigation system (drip or spray).
• Compost and mulch are essential to a sustainable and “green” landscape. Compost is fully decomposed organic material that improves the soil; mulch is anything that goes on top of the soil to control weeds and conserve moisture.

For more information go to www.MyWatershedWatch.org and click on the Green Gardener link.