GraniteCrete: the natural path
December 3, 2008
I’m a big sucker for pavers. The Old World look that they give, the geometry…yet, here is another green alternative to concrete that I have fallen in love with: GraniteCrete. Whether you’re in need of a new driveway, landscape path, or even a patio area, consider using the organic feel of GraniteCrete.
One of the reasons that I love pavers is because of their porous nature. GraniteCrete is also porous, allowing water to naturally seep into the ground and preventing unnecessary runoff to drains and sewers. Oil and other chemicals on our driveways can be broken down naturally by the bacteria in our soil before reaching our water table. Keeping our groundwater clean is important for the root systems of our trees. GraniteCrete will also reduce the affects of flash flooding, and lessen the urban heat-island effect. Runoff can cause erosion to the land and your landscape over time.
With all of that said, GraniteCrete has been installed in residences as well as harsher settings such as the California coastline (which, amazingly enough, did not require Read more
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Is it real green grass, or NewGrass? Consider a synthetic lawn.
August 24, 2008
Several weeks ago, I was walking Magneson Loop (neighborhood street near my home), and the green grass of a charming little bungalow caught my eye. The lawn was perfectly groomed as if cut by artists with scissors.
After further close inspection, I determined that the lawn was actually synthetic grass! While GetWithGreen hears of these products often from manufacturers, this was my first real life experience with this type of eco-friendly product, and from a distance greater than two feet I could not tell the difference between this artificial sod and traditional sod.
According to the Association of Artificial & Synthetic Grass Installers, homeowners installing artificial lawns reap the following benefits:
- Goes where no natural lawn dares to and thrives under almost any condition
- Low maintenance just keep it clean with a blower
- No need for watering, No need for mowing
- Never trim, edge, aerate, seed, thatch, or feed the lawn again!
- Thrives in full sun or shade
- Won’t stain, fights fading & discoloration Read more
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LANDSCAPING: Smart irrigation technologies for your yard
July 20, 2008
Soil moisture sensors and weather-based irrigation controllers (such as our favorite Cyber-Rain) allow for much more efficient watering of your landscape. But, did you know that there are certified professionals Nationally who can help you optimize your landscape watering with these technologies to save both your pocketbook AND the environment!?It is true, there are designers, contractors, and auditors across the US, who have been certified under the EPA’s WaterSense program for their expertise in building landscaping systems that make efficient use of water. The WaterSense program offers a list of these landscape experts, and the criteria by which they were certified. Clicking on the following link will take you to EPA’s list of WaterSence certified professions.
According to the EPA, homeowners could reduce irrigation water use by 15%, or 9,000 gallons annually, by designing landscape irrigation systems using certified professionals. That is just about equivalent to leaving your hose running nonstop for nearly a day!
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LANDSCAPING: Rain Bird sprinkler contest gives you a green yard makeover
May 12, 2008
Rain Bird Corporation announced today that they have opened registration to win a $10,000 backyard makeover in their Why is it Always Greener contest. One grand prize winner will receive a gift card to the home retailer of their choice, and a first prize winner will receive a $500 gift card. The sweepstakes only requires you to fill out their form electronically and submit. GetWithGreen.com thinks this could be a great way to get in on transforming your backyard to a greener solution — using products like automatic sprinkler shut-off sensors.The deadline for entries is midnight on August 31, 2008. Winners will be announced in October 2008.
Additionally, the Rain Bird team is still accepting nominations for its Intelligent Use of Water Award. This award is open to homeowners (and organizations) whose Read more
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LANDSCAPING: How do you preserve your existing landscape when you remodel?
March 1, 2008
Look out! During your remodel your existing landscaping could be in for a beating! Construction workers, Bobcats, piles of lumber, nails, gravel, etc. You can imagine, or maybe you already know what I am talking about. Well there are precautions you can take to reduce the damage to your wallet, to your trees and plants, and to limit the impact on the environment overall for the energy it takes to replace them!
Here are a few things you can do to preserve:
- Agree with your contractor before the project starts that your landscaping is important.
- Install temporary fencing around roots, and trees.
- Don’t allow materials to be stacked under trees, as the weight can damage roots systems.
- Watch for washing of wheelbarrows in planted areas, as the lime in the mix can create harmful pH levels.
- Schedule waterings on weekends, or when workers are gone so they are not walking through wet soil.
There are many more ideas in Tom Dominguez’s recent article: Tips for your landscape during construction projects.
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LANDSCAPING: Better Homes & Gardens compiles eco-friendly recommendations
January 4, 2008
This month Better Homes and Gardens magazinehas compiled a nice list of things you can do with your landscaping to get more eco-friendly during a yard makeover.
To save you $$’s on energy, Landscaping That Makes Sense, describes how:
- A well-positioned tree can save up to 25% on heating and cooling
- Tree shaded yards with lawn vs. pavement can keep temperatures down 6-25 degrees
- Shading your roof can increase your air conditioners efficiency by 10%
- A single tree can equal the cooling power of 15 air conditioners
- Three house-shading trees can cut your cooling bill by up to 50%
- Windbreaks can cut winter heating bills by 10-30%
Regional Strategies for Energy-Efficient Landscaping discusses how if you live in:- The Northeast: Take advantage of the sun in the winter by planting deciduous trees on the south- and west-facing sides of your house. And in the summer the leaves from these trees will also provide shade. Planting trees or shrubs to the north or northwest will prevent winter winds from draining the heat from your home
- The Midwest: Plant large deciduous trees on the south or west side of your home to reduce the need for summer A/C. Planting trees or shrubs to the north or northwest side of your home can provide Read more
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