Many people think that landscaping is just about making your yard more beautiful, but the fact that the field of landscape architecture is incredibly broad tells us that all that complexity must have some higher importance. And it does – in the process of transforming your yard into a beautiful retreat, it also minimizes the impact of human activities on the environment and the plants. You can add some potted plants to improve the look of your yard, but a well-maintained lawn can make even a bare one look equally appealing. There is a variety of approaches to landscape design, and the value of each one lies beyond aesthetic improvements.
Humans are tied to landscaping through a long emotional and practical history – from the resemblance of African savannas to the invention of the first lawn mower. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of this evolution.
Ecosystem Sustainability
If you’re planting a flowerbed on your own there’s a big chance you’ll add plants and flowers which are not well-suited to the conditions in your area. Of course, the effects of humidity, soil type, and weather conditions can be counteracted by adding fertilizers, but most of them are made of chemicals which can damage the environment. Landscaping limits the use of non-native and exotic plants, reducing this negative impact.
You need to look at your yard as an ecosystem in and of itself – the changing slope of the land, sunny spots and shaded areas need to be properly evaluated before it can be accommodated. The evaluation of the site’s contamination and characteristics is a complex process which requires input from professionals such as landscape architects, ecologists, and engineers. Together they identify areas of opportunity but also setbacks which may provide constraints, making sure the right plants are placed in the right spot.
The beauty of landscape design lies in the fact that they don’t require high-maintenance – it is all about the development of sustainable techniques in favor of the environment, making it cleaner and healthier. Using native wildflowers your yard won’t need extra attention and care to handle large seasonal changes, and mimicking the natural environment will attract small critters such as squirrels and birds.
Flooding
We’re living in times of climate changes and the degradation of ecosystems, so dealing with water can be a real issue. Rains which come in the spring and fall can easily turn your yard into a mud pit if there’s no solid landscaping plan. This could not only damage the existing landscape design and plants but it could also make the whole space unusable. That’s why you need to have a proper design which will direct runoff and stormwater to a designated area, diverting it away from your plants.
Erosion
Rain and wind moving across your property can shift the soil away from your garden beds and plants, making erosion a common risk in every yard. In steep areas, this could even pose a risk to safety since rocks can become dislodged. You can prevent erosion with a good landscape design plan which includes the use of retaining walls. Besides the fact that their design is highly functional in terms of keeping the soil in place, it’s can also provide an attractive framework for your plants.
Pollution
Landscaping is not just about embracing nature in a predictable and manicured way, but about harvesting all of the plants’ benefits. And one of the biggest of these benefits lies in their contribution to air purification. Vegetation not only produces oxygen but it also absorbs polluting gases, actively purifying the air and improving its quality. Feature-rich is fine, but the absorption of pollutants depends on the right amount.
Organization
In order to make the most of your yard, proper organization is crucial – appropriate planning of shortcuts and paths, right plantings, seatings, etc. Right landscape design enables you to break up your yard in areas which are inviting and secluded if needed. An outdoor living room framed only by shrubs and trees to block the noise, for example. Landscaping takes into consideration how you plan to use the space, allowing you to move through it with ease and enjoyment.
As you can see, improving your home’s resale value and curb appeal are not the only benefits of landscape design. Its true importance lies in the transformation of your yard into a sustainable ecosystem without flooding, erosion, and pollution, organized in a way which will allow you to enjoy the view at every step.