Strategic Hardscaping Can Make Your Outdoor Space More Sustainable—Here’s How

We may pull in revenue from the product available on this Thomas Nelson Page and enter in affiliate computer program . Learn More ›

Every appealing yard incorporates both softscaping andhardscaping elements . It ’s wanton to focus on the plant , trees , and flowers that make up the softscaping while dismiss the importance of hardscape materials , such as Harlan Stone , brick , concrete , gravel , asphalt , cinder blocks , wood , etc . that shape pathways , the driveway , a deck or patio , outdoor kitchen , gazebos , fountains , and other features that help create an attractive and functional outside infinite .

Yet , conventional hardscaping often comes with an environmental cost , straddle from energy and water use to damaging local vegetation and wildlife . luckily , there are a number of sustainable hardscape materials to choose from that render a variety of environmental benefits , such as minimizing chemical use , reducing stormwater runoff , and helping to lower one ’s carbon copy footprint . Additionally , these materials help boost AMEX appeal , increase place economic value , and are often more price - effective in the farseeing runnel due to their durability and low alimony needs . Consider the next benefit of sustainable hardscaping when you aredesigning or upgrade your landscape .

Save Water

By choosing hardscaping element like nerve tract , terrace , deck , and keep wall instead of grass , irrigation requirements are minimized , redeem H2O . Additionally , hardscape aerofoil like gravel and permeable pavers absorb rainwater and allow it to more easily enter the soil , preventing H2O from being waste .

Minimize Chemical Use

Replacing lawnwith hardscaping pick takes out the motivation for pesticides , fertilizers , and other harmful chemicals , which is an important aspect of sustainable landscaping . “ pesticide escape off into our watersheds and greatly reduce the quality of water for humans and wildlife , ” warns Daniel Cornacchia , president ofDancor Landscapes , which serves Southern Ontario , Canada . Additionally , sustainable hardscaping like permeable paving helps trickle out pollutant in the water . These materials also allow stormwater to drain into the soil so less ice is forge in cold regions . This intend there is less of a need to apply rock table salt for Diamond State - icing , which can damage plants , pets , and the natural ecosystem .

Reduce Stormwater Runoff and Erosion

As more land is paved over , concerns about water runoff increase . Fortunately , sustainable alternativesto traditional pavement can help reduce runoff and erosion . According to theEnvironmental Protection Agency , such textile let in pervious mineral pitch , pervious concrete , interlocking pavers , and plastic grid pavers , which allow rain and snowmelt to enfeeble into the grease instead of the sewer .

“ Permeable pavers not only take into account you to manage stormwater on your property , but in some case recycle it , ” explains Cornacchia . “ Traditional stormwater system direct water supply over impermeable surface where it plunk up all sort of pollutants before it is dumped into detention ponds and local watershed . Permeable paving reduce that and earmark you to store and use that water for irrigation and non - potable the States . ”

Gravel and mulch are also beneficial option to minimize runoff and erosion . “ When it comes to reduce dirt erosion , mulch is a democratic method acting . It absorbs moisture a pot full than bare soil and therefore reduces the velocity of overflow , ” notes Cornacchia . Gravel is of course permeable and has the ability to filter out water and remove contaminant .

Sustainable hardscaping in a residential outdoor space with a retaining wall, stairs, and a permeable stone pathway.

Photo: Getty Images

Support Local Wildlife

Permeable hardscape materials help meliorate the grunge , appropriate wildlife like wiggler , insects , priming - cuddle bee , and microorganism to flourish . “ Mulch improves soil health , ” enounce Cornacchia . “ It decomposes to ply constituent matter to dirty . This mirror the natural processes of forests where leaves and other constitutional rubble break down to create dirt . ”Plant garden bed with native plants and tree , shrub , and perennial bloom between hardscaped areas to make wildlife habitat and draw in pollinators .

Also , hardscaping can help oneself conserve lifelike habitats . While traditional landscaping may involve take away native vegetation to make room for lawn and gardens , hardscaping may reduce the amount of vegetation that is upset in gild to protect the natural habitat for local wildlife .

Improve Drainage

Permeable pavers , which are porous so water can fall through them easy , are a great sustainable hardscaping alternative for householder , sound out Joe Raboine , VP of design forOldcastle APG , a spherical connection of manufacturers in the architectural products industry . “ Any rainwater or water that put down on the permeable pavers will be absorbed back into the earth , making them a great way to reduce the burden on storm drainpipe or be more eco - conscious in your outdoor living blank space , ” says Raboine

Permeable paverscan also help improve drainage around a dwelling house and prevent further water terms , particularly during and after heavy rainfall . “ They abbreviate water overspill and help cut localise implosion therapy , ” says Raboine . “ You also can project permeable paver system of rules to glean and recycle rainwater , adding to their sustainable dimension . ” eventually , these type of pavers minimise water pooling , which can be problematic over time and attract unwanted pest like mosquito .

Lower Carbon Footprint

Choosing sustainable hardscaping materials provides a Brobdingnagian opportunity to abridge your carbon footmark — the amount of glasshouse gases produce by your body process , such as landscaping . Use topically sourced materials , such as buy from nearby quarries . “ Locally sourced materials are good because they require much less resource to get them from point A to B , ” suggests Cornacchia . “ They also provide local jobs to help support our economy . ”

Hardscaping also edit back on lawn and garden alimony that depends on fossil fuels to lock equipment like lawn lawn mower , folio cetacean , and dope whackers . in the end , by choosingrecycled or upcycled materialsfor hardscaping , carbon emanation can be reduce , since no additional construction is necessary . Some ideas admit cloth made from reclaimed concrete , stone , or Ellen Price Wood ; glass aggregates ; pavers made from old credit card , rubber , or other textile ; composite decking ; and urbanite made from recycled concrete . These material can be used for walkways , garden walls , blast pits , and other structures in the yard .

Boost Aesthetics

The natural facial expression of sustainable hardscaping — such as wood , sand , and Edward Durell Stone — is also aesthetically pleasing . “ Permeable pavers give you the same feel and feel as regular interlocking pavers but with way greater benefit , ” sound out Cornacchia . “ There are unnumerable size of it , texture , and color version available that will compliment any landscape or architectural style . ” These character of materials tend to be better for the environment than manufacture textile , while also being undestroyable , long - lasting , and attractive .

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

We ’ll help you put up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - basis plot of land out back — and select the good plants for your soil and region .

Cement patio in the backyard with a table and umbrella.