Hello World! Welcome Friends! Every home deserves to look beautiful. Not only is it a pleasure to see an eye-catching front yard, but a gorgeous curb appeal can boost a home’s value by up to 7%. Landscaping is something you should consider for your own home, too. But with more homeowners and buyers practicing sustainability, why not use eco-friendly materials for your landscape makeover? (1)
For years, many people have used concrete to construct buildings and other parts, but it’s not the most sustainable material. Producing cement—a component of concrete—emits significant carbon dioxide. Thankfully, if you’re planning to give your landscape an all-natural makeover, it’s quite easy to achieve with eco-friendly options.
This blog explores 10 practical ideas for improving your landscape minus the need for concrete. Keep reading to make your home’s curb appeal even more valuable and eco-friendly.
Rethink Your Walkways
Your home’s walkway should be easy and smooth enough to walk on but have enough traction to avoid slipping.
1. Stepping Stones
Want something as sturdy as concrete but friendlier to the environment? Go for stone walkways! Paths made from stepping stones add a touch of rustic feel to the modern suburban home.
If you don’t already have a walkway you can work on, a team specializing in residential landscaping overhaul can remove your old landscaping or clear away debris. The pros can prepare your yard for a makeover, starting with your walkway.
Some stone options you can use for a walkway include:
- Natural Stone
Natural stone walkways have a timeless appearance and remain in excellent condition for years. They’re also versatile and work well with any aesthetic. When it rains, you’ll have fewer worries about slipping since natural stone offers fantastic traction.
- Flagstone
Flagstone is another natural stone you can consider. It’s composed of minerals like silica, calcite, and iron ore. The different mixes give it its unique color palettes, perfect for an attractive walkway. Like natural stone, flagstone boasts incredible durability, which is why the flagstone flooring in some ancient castles is still intact to this day.
2. Gravel Pathways
Looking for a more continuous path to walk on? Consider making a whole pathway made of gravel. This material is best for those on a tight budget yet still want to practice eco-friendliness when doing a landscape makeover.
Gravel pathways commonly incorporate pea gravel, which offers a classic look that’s also gentle on your feet, and decomposed granite, which provides a modern aesthetic. Both options are perfect for rainy locations since they have excellent drainage qualities, preventing puddles from building up on the pathway.
3. Wood Chip Paths
Wood chips offer a soft and more natural look on walkways. Cedar and cypress wood chips are rot-resistant, which are ideal for the long-lasting appeal of your landscape’s path. Avoid soft woods like pine to keep your walkway from getting muddy over time.
When going the DIY route, choose wood chips of different sizes. Larger pieces provide a stable base, while smaller ones add a decorative touch. Remember to replenish your wood chips every few years, even if you’re using durable options.
4. Living Mulch Pathways
Want something more natural for your landscape? Use living mulch! It’s a fantastic walkway option for homeowners who desire a truly sustainable home.
Place low-growing yet sturdy plants like thyme or chamomile that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Make sure to maintain this pathway regularly by trimming and weeding to prevent overgrowth.
Creative Patio Alternatives
Well-built patios can further bump up the value and aesthetics of your home. It typically costs around USD$ 3,000 to USD$ 5,500 to construct a ground-level patio but could rise to USD$ 20,000 or more for additional features. (2)
With that in mind, here are some alternative materials you can use while keeping your budget and some critical elements in building a patio in check:
5. Brick Patios
Like concrete, brick has been a staple construction material for many years. However, it’s a more sustainable option for a patio since its components are naturally sourced.
Patios that receive many guests will do well with the durability of bricks. This material is also generally easy to install for most DIY home renovators.
6. Gravel Patios
If you’ve decided to use gravel for your walkway, why not use it on your patio, too? It’ll save you time and money while creating cohesiveness in your home’s landscape.
Gravel is an excellent patio saver during rainy spells. The rainwater goes through its little spaces, keeping the patio puddle-free while promoting healthy soil, potentially reducing freshwater usage in properties with gardens. (3)
7. Decked Patios
Wood is a classic choice for patios and provides some warmth to your home’s facade. You can choose between natural or composite wood—each has its pros and cons.
Natural Wood
Pros:
- Aesthetic appeal
- More affordable
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- More susceptible to rot and insects
Composite Wood
Pros:
- Low-maintenance material
- Resists rots
Cons:
- More expensive
- Not as visually appealing
Nonetheless, both are viable choices for your patio. Choose the material that best suits your preferences and budget. Don’t forget to follow local construction codes for patios, especially if they’re made of wood. Decked patios should generally hold 40 pounds per square foot. This is to avoid collapse. (4)
Natural Solutions for Retaining Walls
Not all residential landscapes have or need retaining walls. But if it’s something you’d like to add to yours, consider using natural materials over concrete.
8. Slopes and Terraces
Before you construct a solid structure, inspect your current landscape because you can use its natural grading and slopes as a retaining wall. Slopes and terraces add visual interest to your landscape, creating a dynamic and layered effect.
Consider planting on these slopes as well. Planting strategically chosen vegetation can prevent soil erosion and add beauty to your home’s natural landscape.
9. Wood Retaining Walls
Already have wood on your walkways and patio? Use it for your retaining wall, too! A small, wooden retaining wall offers rustic charm to your home, and it’s easy to achieve even with DIY methods.
However, if you aim to go bigger, a professional landscaping service will ensure the wall is constructed in accordance with building safety regulations. Either way, remember to practice regular maintenance checks to keep the retaining wall standing strong.
10. Living Walls
A retaining wall made solely of plants is the ultimate eco-friendly approach to landscape makeovers. Choose drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials, or even small trees with deep root systems to attract pollinators and hold soil back.
Living walls require irrigation upon installation. But once the plants mature, they’re typically low-maintenance.
Conclusion
You don’t need concrete to give your home’s landscape a well-deserved makeover. Mother Nature offers you various sustainable materials like stone, wood, and plants to boost your property’s curb appeal while being safe for the environment.
As a homeowner, you’ll benefit from natural materials, too, such as lower emissions and healthier home environments. The relaxing atmosphere these options provide is well worth your time and money.
References
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- “Landscaping Projects That Do and Don’t Increase Your Home Value,” Source: https://www.angi.com/articles/smart-landscaping-tips-can-increase-home-value.htm
- “How Much Does It Cost To Build a Patio?” Source: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/outdoor-living/cost-to-build-patio/
- “Sustainability through materials: A review of green options in construction,” Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666845924000266
- “Deck Maintenance Checklist: How to Keep Yours in Tip-Top Shape,” Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/decking/23292418/deck-maintenance-checklist
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Choosing the Right Grass Seed for Your Region: A Gardener’s Guide
Seasonal Plumbing Preparation Tips to Protect Your Home
How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Retreat with Rattan Chairs
How to Verify Tenant Employment and Income Effectively
Navigating the Big Move: A Guide to Relocating to Another City
Glass Wall Showers: A Smart Choice for Small Bathrooms
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Toodles,
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