GREEN PROJECT
Highland Park Green Resident’s Resource Guide
Landscaping
Primary Focus of this Section:
To provide suggestions for implementing effective tools to protect and maintain Highland Park’s landscaping resources. The goals are to minimize environmental as well as economic costs and to quantify the benefits of landscaping with native plants. The choices we make as residents concerning landscaping techniques have direct impacts on Highland Park’s environmental welfare. The beauty of a biologically diverse surrounding will bring you hours of pleasure and peace of mind because you are landscaping in an environmentally, economically, and ecologically sound manner.
Position Statement:
Landscaping is the physical modification of outdoors to serve the needs of people by planting, altering the contours of the ground, and building structures and amenities. “Green” landscaping minimizes the environmentally detrimental effects of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as the emission of air-polluting substances from lawn-maintenance equipment. While not maintenance free, natural landscaping requires less time and money for ongoing maintenance than conventional landscapes. The following section will give you an idea of how to utilize native landscaping on residential properties, several principles of green landscaping, and internet links to other sites containing information on native plants and green landscaping.
Seven Principles of Green Landscaping:
1) Planning and Design - Draw your plan on paper: measure your yard, and include structures and plants you will be keeping. Then try various ideas on paper.
2) Soil - Most plants grow best in loamy soil that drains well and contains organic material. If your plants are not doing as well as you would expect, a soil analysis may help in determining your problem. Call an accredited lab for information.
3) Reduce Turf Area - Decide how much lawn area you want. Then, gradually reduce the excess by removing the lawn and replanting with appropriate low maintenance plants.
4) Irrigation - The larger the drop size, the less evaporation will occur. Apply the water as close to the ground as possible. If water begins to pond while watering, water for 15 minute intervals until the needed water has been applied.
5) Mulches - Mulching assists soil in retaining moisture, reducing weed growth and preventing erosion. Anything from straw, grass clippings, leaves or newspaper to wood chips, pine cones, compost or peat moss can be used as a mulch. Apply the mulch 3 to 4 inches thick, ensuring the mulch does not touch the stalks or trunks of plants.
6) Plant Selection - Plants native to your area are already adapted to the climate. In addition, many are perennial or self-seeding, reducing future costs for new plants. Many native plants will also support indigenous animals, such as butterflies and birds.
7) Maintenance - Low-water landscaped areas are intended to require low maintenance. However, this does mean some upkeep must still be done. landscaped areas are intended to require low maintenance. However, this does mean some upkeep must still be done. Some of the tasks include: Adding mulch yearly, amending flower and vegetable beds, pruning trees and shrubs, dividing and transplant perennials as required, cutting down perennial tops, ensuring nutrients in soil are adequate for the plants in that area, and weeding as necessary.
Benefits of Green Landscaping:
- Reduced costs of landscape installation and maintenance
- Creation of a distinctive community image that strengthens real estate markets
- Reduced soil erosion
- Improved water quality
- Reduced air pollution
- Reduced noise pollution
- Habitat restoration and protection
- Beautification
What are native plants?
Native plants are the trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, ferns and other plants that have evolved in a particular area (such as Highland Park) over thousands of years. Over this long period of time, the plants have adapted to the particular growing conditions present there, including temperature, rainfall, winds, soils, slopes, and wildlife.
Suggestions for native landscaping on residential properties:
1. Draw your plan on paper
2. Start out small, only do a little at a time.
3. Tell your neighbors what you plan to do. Consider putting up a sign to define your natural area. This will help others feel more comfortable with a different approach to landscaping.
4. Talk with local officials to find out if there are any local ordinances you should be aware of (e.g. restrictions on the height of vegetation). If so, will they help you get a variance?
5. You may even want to register your natural landscape with the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program of the National Wildlife Federation or with the National Institute for Urban Wildlife. There may also be other local associations available to assist you.
Integrated pest management: (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests and pest damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non target organisms, and the environment.
Resources for Green Landscaping and Native Plants:
Backyard Conservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program of the National Wildlife Federation
Butterfly Gardening, University of Minnesota
Greenacres: Helpful Tips and Information – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Green Landscaping with Native Plants, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Green Pages – All About Lawns in New Jersey
Grow a healthy, no-waste law and garden – Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
Highland Park Environmental Commission
Highland Park’s Native Trees and Shrubs
Natural Landscaping Source Book, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Natural Resources Defense Council’s guide to greener living
Province of Manitoba – Manitoba Conservation
Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series, University of Minnesota
