Top Outdoor Design Trends with Sustainability in Mind

As outdoor design trends have grown exponentially over the past several years, creating eco-friendly design elements with the help of hardscape contractors continues to be a top priority. Green movements are directly responsible for the majority of trends in lawn and garden design, according to surveys conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and runoff reduction are the main goals of sustainable landscape design. These goals should be achieved through the treatment of water as a resource, the value of soil, the preservation of existing plants, and the conservation of material resources.

Importance of Sustainability in Your Outdoor Space

In addition to serving as our primary entertaining spaces, our terraces and patiosPatios are outdoor spaces adjacent to a home, typically used for dining, entertaining, or relaxation... are now a focal point for relaxing and reconnecting with family and friends. The outdoors is becoming increasingly important in our lives as we embrace slow living and nature-based mindfulness.

To create a functional outdoor living space, there are simple but essential rules that must be followed. The first is obviously managing sunlight. Light needs to be filtered to create a cozy place to spend the day. 

The Growing Awareness of Sustainability

Eco-conscious outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular as homeowners become more aware of the need for sustainability. Water-efficient irrigationIrrigation is the controlled application of water to plants at regular intervals to assist in their ..., rainwater harvesting systemsRainwater harvesting systems are designed to collect and store rainwater for later use, typically fo..., low-maintenance lawns, puddle-resistant pavers, and edible native plantsNative plants are species that naturally occur in a specific region or ecosystem without human intro... can make a big difference to the way your property looks.

When designing an area, flooring plays an important role. While planning the overall look, it is important to consider that the backyard or patio is an extension of the interior. The ease of cleaning surfaces is essential for an outdoor kitchen and dining since they are an important part of everyday life.

Choose Eco-Friendly Materials

Natural ecosystems are disrupted by humans, which affects the living structures of animals and insects, water flow, air quality, and much more. In spite of the fact that making changes to your hardscape may seem futile, every effort can lead to a collective improvement.

Use mulchMulch is a layer of organic or inorganic material applied to the soil surface in gardens and landsca... rather than stones in a garden bed to provide nutrients for the soil and protect your plants. Mulch degrades quickly and is gentler in greeneries. Plant materials are used to make organic mulch and those that are made from bark or woodWood is a natural, organic material derived from trees, commonly used in landscaping and constructio... are the most common type— and there are different grades of size available. At local landfills, you can find low-cost bark mulchBark mulch is an organic material made from the outer bark of trees, commonly used in landscaping to... that is widely available. 

A variety of hardscape installations by experts can be completed with urbanite—including your sidewalk, paver driveway, flower bed, fire pit, and retaining wall. The durability and versatility of the material compared to concreteConcrete is a composite material made from a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. It is one o... make it a great choice for hardscape elements.

Sustainable Design Ideas for You

Landscapes that are sustainable benefit wildlife, reduce pollution, and provide healthy recreational areas. What benefits both your lawn and the environment when it comes to landscaping your home will vary.

XeriscapingXeriscaping is a landscaping method that involves designing and maintaining gardens and landscapes w... is a valuable option not only for making maintenance easier but also for reducing your water usage. In addition to reducing your water bill, rainwater bins collect water from your gutters and store it for later use.

Creating a low-maintenance garden is easier than you may think, and this can be made possible by planting native and perennial flowers. The bees and butterflies that pollinate a garden will help endangered species thrive. While having beautiful flowers on some pollen-filled plants is a win-win situation. 

Replace Worn Out Lighting Fixtures with Energy-Efficient Lights

Lighting fixtures are essential for making your outdoor home eco-friendly and functional at the same time. In spite of what you may not be aware of, old lighting fixtures consume a lot of energy and can increase your utility bills significantly. It is therefore recommended to install energy-efficient fixtures or solar-powered fixtures instead of outdated ones.

LED light bulbsBulbs are underground storage organs that store nutrients for plants, enabling them to survive adver... give off a brighter glow and burn cooler than incandescent bulbs. In case you want your lights to only turn on when someone is around, get some that have motion sensors. In addition to providing light to your walkwaysResidential walkways are pathways that connect different areas of a property, such as entrances, gar..., decksDecks are elevated outdoor platforms typically made from wood or composite materials, providing a ve..., driveway, walls, and landscaping around your house, these can illuminate your front and back entryways. 

Use Repurposed Decor Items

Repurposing things like a piece of old furniture to make a decorative planter for your front porch is a good example. You can paint, refinish, and give new life to home decor you find at local yard sales or salvage yards.

Besides being good for the environment, reusing materials is also economical. Natural stone is one of the most popular reusable materials because it looks good and is durable. Anywhere is a good place to put decorative natural stones, for instance, you can position them along your pathway.

In addition to adorning flower beds or trees, stones can also be used as a border around them. Whenever you want, you can move them around, and they'll certainly last a lifetime.

Make Your Outdoor Living Space a Sustainable One with West Hills Masonry!

The beauty of nature can be incorporated into your home through sustainable landscapingSustainable landscaping is the practice of designing and maintaining outdoor spaces in a way that co.... Our hardscapingHardscaping refers to the non-living elements of landscaping, such as stone, brick, concrete, wood, ... contractor and landscaping team can take care of your lawn for you with our experience in sustainability, so you can spend more time for enjoyment and relaxation.

Our passion for beautiful yards, gardens, and landscapes and for the environment inspires everything we do at West Hills Masonry. It's important to us to create green spaces and work with nature. If you want to create a landscape that looks outstanding and is environmentally friendly, contact us at 714-519-5009 at West Hills Masonry today!