4 Sustainable Landscaping Design Trends

All homeowners pursue efficiency as they invest in their landscaping design Los Angeles. The longer investments last, the more money the homeowner will save. There’s an abundance of information in regards to sustaining indoor elements of a home.
But what about sustaining outdoor landscape in Los Angeles? Insects are known for devouring plants and vulnerable materials. As a homeowner, it’s important to select the correct materials and the correct landscape design.
The first step to constructing a sustainable landscape is choosing landscape designs that are resistant to decay, insects, and excessive water. Fortunately for the homeowner, there are several trends out there that can last.
Here are 5 sustainable landscape trends for the upcoming season.

1. Bring the Fire Outdoors

The fall season brings cooler temperatures and cooler nights. Fire tables are excellent additions for those night time get togethers with family and friends. Invest a little more and install a fire pit. Landscape professionals normally install Slate Flagstone walkways around them.
Or you can go traditional and build a fireplace. Exterior stone veneer fire pits and fireplaces are sustainable trends for landscape design because they offer efficient ways to eliminate lawn, garden, and tree waste while providing a comfortable atmosphere for the homeowner. Bringing the fire outside will help ignite the party after dark.

2. Effective and Efficient Drainage

One of the most important factors of maintaining a sustainable landscape is drainage. Fluctuating temperatures means fluctuating weather. To better prepare for rain, start drainage with installing gutters onto rooftop edges. Gutter guards will help prevent leaves, acorns, and sticks from clogging gutters and downspouts. Attach drainage pipes to downspouts and route them away from the home and landscape.
For patio drainage, install a slotted system. Landscape professionals will have the tools and extensive knowledge on drainage. Homeowners who pursue DIY drainage, make measures and cuts to material in which the grate can fit.

3. Plants that Fight Excessive Water

Speaking of drainage, there will be days where the landscape is waterlogged with torrential rain. Homeowners can prepare for those saturated days by installing water absorbing plants like Boxwoods and Maple trees. Border grasses and shrubs protect gardens while tree roots absorb the water.

4. Sustainable Outdoor Flooring

Thermally Modified Wood is the best way to go as a sustainable source of outdoor wood flooring. If you’re thinking about landscape flooring, use modified wood flooring. Why is modified wood flooring much more effective than deck wood for outdoor design projects?
Modified wood for outdoor flooring has three processes which makes it ideal for unique projects:

  • Heat – This method (also called thermal modification) heats wood to over 185 to 215 degrees. It all depends on the grade of wood. Thermal modification brightens the wood and exponentially slows the decaying process.
  • Polymer Grafting – Single molecules (or monomers) can combine with other single molecules, which is a called polymerization. When this process is used in wood, it increases durability, strength, and resist insects. This is often used in construction.
  • Acetylation – Hydroxyls (or free hydroxyls) are present in all wood. Hydroxyl is an element that allows the wood to absorb water during weather and season changes. Acetylation changes the hydroxyl group to an acetyl group. Acetyl groups alter the wood to make it more durable and stable.

Create a Landscape That Will Last
Homeowners should choose a landscaping trend that will sustain their invested Los Angeles landscape over a long period of time. Be cautious of the materials you use. Go with thermally modified wood for outdoor flooring. Choose the right plants for the climate and season. For walkways or garden patios, lean toward slate rock construction. Find a budget that works for you and consult with your landscape contractor Los Angeles for all your landscaping needs.