Summer is upon us, which means temperatures and water consumption are likely the highest we will encounter all year. However, there are measures we can take to help stay cool and conserve your water. From smart, efficient resource management, to skillful landscaping techniques, there are some great ways to beat the heat this summer.
Shade and Comfort
Summer is just getting started, but all of us are already thinking of how to combat rampant temperatures. You may have heard the ancient Greek proverb, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Well, we have some good news: we have come a long way since then. You can make your property great with mature saplings and ample shade, without having to wait until your grandkids are your age before anyone can enjoy it. In fact, planting trees and tall foliage in yard can help to mitigate the impact of the harsh summer sun. According to the Department of Energy, shade from trees can reduce the affected air temperature by up to 25 degrees. That is a significant improvement, especially in the heat of summer.
Selecting Appropriate Plants
We all want landscaping that is beautiful and attractive, but there are choices we can make that allow us to achieve that goal without having to incorporate plants that consume too much water or that are inappropriate for our climate. Choosing plants that are native to the area does not diminish the appearance of your yard, but it does allow you to have thriving, bountiful flora. There are some beautiful trees, for instance, like the Red Maple, Ohio Buckeye, and American Basswood, that are native to the area and thrive in our climate. Incorporating these, along with other intelligent choices of shrubs, ferns, and grasses, can help conserve resources and build a natural, efficient ecosystem on your property. Our landscape designers can help you adorn your property with the right plants for our climate, and to create beautiful scenery while they’re at it.
Irrigation and Water Conservation
There are some simple methods you can employ to save water on your property, cutting down on your water bill and making sure your plants are neither overwatered or underwatered. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a great tactic for reducing water waste is to water your plants at the appropriate times of day, when the temperatures are lower and evaporation is not as rapid. For instance, watering your plants early in the morning or late at night. Additionally, grouping your plants together, allowing them to be watered more efficiently by drip irrigation systems, can help to reduce water waste and improve water coverage.
If you are interested in revamping your property’s landscaping, or conserving water resources and improving shade coverage during the summer months, our landscape experts can help. Give us a call at 260-305-9340 or send us an email at [email protected].
