Page 12 - CooperatorNews New Jersey Spring 2022

12 COOPERATORNEWS NEW JERSEY —SPRING 2022 NJ.COOPERATORNEWS.COM TRENDS The ‘3 Greens’ of Landscaping: Plants, Money, & Sustainability BY DARCEY GERSTEIN In multifamily properties, different tain and least ecologically efficient and/or tation.” The National Wildlife Federation households share in the use, visual en- joyment, and enhanced property value of landscaped outdoor elements. That means that a lot of consideration goes cal, diversity is best. Having a combina- into deciding what and where to plant, tion of softscape (plantings and grasses) tive to your area. how to maintain it, and how much to and hardscape (concrete, paving, turf) spend on it all. These considerations can creates visual appeal and can differenti- be summed up as the ‘Three Greens’: the ate outdoor spaces for a variety of uses. of the Illinois Landscape Contractors As- vitality and vibrancy of lawns and other A carefully planned landscape can also sociation (ILCA), contends that an inte- plantings—their literal greenness—the maximize water run-off and absorption, grated landscape approach will also be- dollars that condos and co-ops invest to take advantage of sun and shade, make come a more sustainable system. Where thing everyone can do right now.” design, install, and maintain these areas; use of otherwise dead space, and account plants are dying or struggling, he says, and the ecological factors that determine for seasonality—a particularly impor- the best practices, placements, and prod- ucts that use the least resources and have change and the severe weather events it has further negative consequences for can have big payoffs for the long-term the best environmental impacts. The three greens of landscaping must be considered simultaneously to maxi- mize each. For example, an association both maintenance and sustainability ben- with a limited landscaping budget might efits. According to Steven Yergeau, Agri- think that skimping on mulch will save culture and Natural Resources Agent for in the soil. The soil becomes barren, in a meable pavers, for example, requires less them money—but the right type of mulch Ocean and Atlantic Counties and mem- in the right amounts is important for soil ber of the New Jersey Landscape Contrac- health, water conservation, and weed tors Association (NJLCA), “Native plants with any organic system, the less need for land available for other uses. A thoughtful mitigation, according to the pros. Simi- larly, a community with ample grounds vegetation into yards for clients who are more likely to thrive on their own in the add value and desirability for a commu- might think that laying a bunch of sod for environmentally minded. Native plants conditions natural to the region, requir- sprawling lawns might be the right way to are adapted to local climate and soil con- ‘green’—but this type of landscape might ditions, requiring less watering, fertiliz- actually be the least cost effective to main- beneficial. Mix It Up Generally, as with most things biologi- tant consideration in the face of climate the need for chemical applications. This erty’s landscape design or maintenance can bring to all regions. Similarly, mixing in plants native to the “When you put down herbicides, for ex- region where they’re being planted has ample,” says Lupfer, “you kill not only the what might seem like a costly change or are a good way to incorporate sustainable intervention, the better. Native plants are plan for an underused outdoor space can ers, and pesticides than non-native vege- has launched a Native Plant Finder on its by going green is to control irrigation. website: www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/. Lupfer estimates that watering plants and Enter your zip code, and find all the flow- ers, grasses, trees, and shrubs that are na- Tom Lupfer, owner of Lupfer Land- scaping in Lyons, Illinois, and member time, and require little to no initial finan- pests tend to proliferate, which increases the health and vitality of the landscape. financial and physical success of the as- harmful elements, but many of the bene- ficial microbes that foster life and growth cussions for the future. Investing in per- way, and has to be supplemented artifi- cially, which means more chemicals.” As ponds or drains, notes Lupfer, leaving that ing fewer chemicals, less watering, and exponential. less impact. Go for Low Maintenance A sustainable landscape is one that minimizes use of non-renewable resourc- es, according to the Environmental Pro- tection Agency (EPA). The less we can ap- ply chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and even water to our manicured environ- ments, the better it is for both our planet and our pocketbook. These resources are not only expensive, but their overuse can have negative effects on the environment and our health. The move to a sustainable landscape need not be immediate, nor need it be an extreme overhaul of an existing plan. “The whole goal of moving toward sustain- ability is to subtly change it into a more vibrant-looking landscape and create a healthier environment,” Lupfer says. “It should be a process of transitioning from a traditional landscape to a more sustain- able one. A healthier landscape means that plants don’t need as much attention, since they are growing as they should and are not afflicted by disease and don’t need artificial food to keep them alive and flourishing.” One quick and easy way to save green grasses only as needed, rather than using a timer or other automatic schedule, can save 60% to 70% percent on water bills. These savings can really add up over cial output. “You don’t have to put in new systems or spend any money up front,” he advises of this practice. “This is some- Look Toward the Future Even a small investment into a prop- sociation or corporation. Concomitantly, addition now might have positive reper- land for drainage solutions like retention nity and its homeowners. The benefits are Making landscaping decisions that continued on page 25