More and more homeowners in Clive, IA are looking for landscaping ideas that are both beautiful and good for the environment. As people become more aware of the environment, landscaping that is good for the environment is becoming the norm instead of the exception. Sustainable practices are good for your wallet and the planet in the long run, whether you want to use less water, lower your carbon footprint, or just make your garden thrive with little effort.

Clive residents can add eco-friendly landscaping without losing curb appeal or usefulness. Here's how:

1. Choose plants that are native to the area and can handle dry weather.

Planting native species is one of the easiest and best ways to "go green." Plants that are native to the area:

1. Need less water and care

2. Bring in helpful pollinators and animals

3. Are naturally able to fight off pests and diseases that are common in the area

People in Clive like to plant prairie grasses, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and butterfly milkweed. These plants are tough, pretty, and just right for the weather here.

2. Make the lawn smaller

Grass lawns that are traditional can use a lot of water and need a lot of care. Think about putting in new parts of your lawn with:

1. Beds of native plants

2. Grasses for decoration

3. Rock gardens or beds of mulch

4. Patios and seating areas are examples of hardscape features.

This not only means less mowing and watering, but it also makes your yard more diverse.

3. Set up a smart irrigation system

A common problem in residential landscapes is watering too much. Smart irrigation systems only water when they need to, which saves thousands of gallons of water each year. They do this by using weather data and soil sensors.

Drip irrigation systems are great for flower beds because they water the roots directly and keep water from evaporating.

4. Make compost and mulch on your own

Don't put leaves and grass clippings in bags; instead, use them as natural mulch or compost. Organic mulch is good for:

1. Keep the soil moist

2. Keep weeds from growing

3. As it breaks down, make the soil healthier.

Composting kitchen scraps and garden waste not only cuts down on trash, but it also gives you free soil amendments that are full of nutrients.

5. Use hardscaping materials that let water through

Choose materials that let rainwater soak in instead of running off in places where hardscaping is needed. Clive's stormwater systems don't have to work as hard when there are permeable pavers, gravel paths, and porous concrete. These things also help stop erosion.

6. Don't use chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

A lot of synthetic lawn care products hurt helpful bugs and pollute nearby bodies of water. Instead, choose organic fertilisers, compost, or integrated pest management (IPM) solutions that have less of an effect on the environment.

Bring in helpful bugs like ladybirds or praying mantises. They will get rid of bad bugs on their own without using harmful chemicals.

7. Plan where to plant trees

Trees give shade, lower energy costs, and take in carbon dioxide. When placed in the right spots, trees can:

1. In the summer, keep your home cool.

2. Stop strong winter winds

3. Stop erosion on properties with slopes

Iowa's climate is good for native trees like oak, hickory, and sugar maple.

The End

Landscaping that is good for the environment is more than just a trend; it's a smart and rewarding way to make your yard in Clive, IA, look great. You can make a landscape that lasts by using native plants, smart irrigation, and natural mulch. These are all easy changes that help local ecosystems and cut down on waste.

Check out Lark Landscape in Clive, IA for eco-friendly landscaping