This document provides information on sustainable landscaping practices. It defines sustainable landscaping as an attractive environment that requires minimal inputs like water, fertilizer, and pesticides while balancing the local climate. Some key practices include designing for the site conditions, improving soil quality over time through composting and soil amendments, selecting plants adapted to the climate and soils, using efficient irrigation, and incorporating windbreaks and shade trees for energy conservation. The document emphasizes that sustainable landscaping achieves long-term success through establishing short-term goals like composting and conserving water.

1. Sustainable Landscaping
Fact Sheet No. 7.243 Gardening Series| Yard
By J.E. Klett and A. Cummins*
What does the term 'sustainable soil amendments. Many non-native plants Quick Facts
landscaping' mean? There are varying establish more quickly and develop a
definitions but sustainable landscaping healthier root system with the addition of • When designing a sustainable
should include an attractive environment organic soil amendments. landscape, long-term success
that is in balance with the local climate and Improving the overall condition of your is accomplished through a
requires minimal resource inputs, such as soil—including permeability, aeration and series of short-term goals.
fertilizer, pesticides, gasoline, time, and drainage—is a slow process. The addition
water. Sustainable landscaping begins of organic materials such as composted • A functional and attractive
with an appropriate design that includes grass clippings, manure, and fall leaves, design will be unique to a
functional, cost efficient, visually pleasing, can improve soil condition over a period specific site and should be
environmentally friendly and maintainable of time. Garden soil that provides good based on a careful review
areas. For additional information, see fact water retention and both oxygen and water process.
sheet 7.220, Colorado Gardening: Challenge permeability (loam texture) may take 10 or
to Newcomers and 7.228, Xeriscaping: Creative more years to create. Incorporate 3-4 cubic • Identify what inputs are
Landscaping. yards of organic matter per 1,000 square currently excessive.
There are short-term as well as long- feet per year. Be sure that organic matter is • Develop a budget and
term goals for a sustainable landscape. For incorporated completely into the existing
timeline that are realistic and
example, a short-term goal may include soil. For more information on soils, see
celebrate the accomplishment
saving water or installing and using a Garden Notes #711, Vegetable Garden Soil
of each short-term goal.
compost bin. Composting locally grown Management and Fertilization, 0.502, Soil
crops and kitchen waste and returning it Test Explanation, 7.235, Choosing a Soil
back to the garden increases soil organic Amendment, and 7.236, Landscaping on
matter and helps plant growth. See 7.212, Expansive Soils.
Composting Yard Waste for more information Base fertilizer applications on a soil
on composting techniques. analysis and specific plant requirements (see
A long-term goal may be to create a more 0.500, Soil Sampling). Many annual flowers or
self-sustaining garden. This includes all bedding plants and vegetables have a higher
aspects of total plant health care, proper plant nitrogen and phosphorus requirement than
selection, reduced inputs and maintainability. herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees.
Some native plants can actually decline
from too many applications of fertilizers.
Soils, Composting Most have lower nitrogen and phosphorus
and Fertilizers needs, having adapted to the lower fertility
Much of Colorado has heavy, clay soils. conditions of Colorado native soils.
Clay texture can lead to poor water and Determine the fertilizer requirements for
oxygen penetration. In addition, Colorado your individual situation. Excessive fertilizer
soils often lack organic material. To improve application is not a sustainable practice.
plant health, soil amendments are often
necessary.
The choice of a soil amendment greatly
Irrigation
depends on what is being planted. Native Often, a portion of Colorado is in, or
plants may be adapted to local soil conditions on the verge of a drought. Average annual © Colorado State University
and might not necessarily benefit from moisture for the Denver Metro area is Extension. 3/05. 10/11.
www.ext.colostate.edu
J.E. Klett, Colorado State University, professor and
*
Extension landscape horticulture specialist; A. Cummins,
Colorado State University Extension, horticulture agent,
Douglas County. 10/2011

2. Sustainable landscaping means using water Therefore, shading the south and west side
Appropriate Design appropriately and avoiding waste. See fact will contribute to summer cooling. See
sheets 7.239, Operating and Maintaining 7.225, Landscaping for Energy Conservation
As part of the design process, answer
a Home Irrigation System and 4.702, Drip for further information.
the following questions:
Irrigation for Home Gardens. Often two large deciduous trees can
• How will the space be used? provide sufficient summer shading for a
single family home. Consider the mature
• What are the site conditions? Is Hardscape Selection size of tree species before planting; plant the
there a need for renovation? The choice of building materials for trees far enough from the house to avoid
• What is the timeline and what is the the landscape is extensive. Explore options foundation problems. Avoid fast-growing
for utilizing reused materials in your species that are weak-wooded and easily
budget?
landscape. For example, used bricks or break in wind or snow. See 7.419, Large
• How much time will be needed to broken concrete can be used for retaining Deciduous Trees for appropriate selections.
maintain the landscape? walls or raised beds. Also, recycled plastic
material may be an appropriate choice for Plant for Wind Protection
• What resource uses are too high? decking or fences. However, an example of Cold winds can penetrate a building
• Visually, what look is trying to be inappropriate recycled materials for use in in the winter and may be responsible for
achieved? a garden is the use of creosote-impregnated some heat loss during windy days. In
railroad ties to build a raised bed. The Colorado, prevailing winds blow from the
chemicals used to treat the wood can leach northwest, therefore, landscaping for wind
into the soil and are not safe to use near protection should be concentrated on the
food crops. north and northwest sides of the building at
approximately 12 to 14 inches. The Front a distance of one to three times the mature
Range is a high plains desert with the height of the trees. Evergreens provide the
San Luis Valley, Arkansas Valley and Plant and Turf Selection most wind protection. See 7.403, Evergreen
the Western Slope exhibiting even drier Select the right plant for the right place. Trees for appropriate selections and 7.225
conditions. Therefore, water conservation Plants not adapted to the local environment Landscaping for Energy Conservation.
is essential. Prevent water loss through require more resources. Plants placed
evaporation by using organic mulches. Add in inappropriate growing conditions Slopes
3 to 4 inches around flower beds and under (lighting, moisture, temperature, etc.)
trees but avoid mounding mulch against An appropriately graded site should
become stressed and are more prone to
tree trunks as this practice can encourage provide drainage away from permanent
pest problems. Plants suited to Colorado,
disease and insects. structures. Steep slopes should be terraced
whether native or exotic, are more
Group plants that have similar water with a series of raised beds or planters to
sustainable. Always consider the mature
requirements together. Designate parts of reduce erosion potential.
size of the plant prior to placement in the
your landscape for higher or lower water landscape.
use. For example, place a vegetable garden A principle of sustainable landscape is
in the higher use area and a native shrub Landscape design begins with an
to limit the amount of irrigated turf to areas
border in a lower water use area. understanding of the future use
of high use by the homeowner. Select turf
Using irrigation technology to species adapted for your location and use. of the property. Lot size, house
reduce water use is an important rule of For more information on plant and turf size, local covenants and budget
sustainable landscaping. Consult with a selection see Garden Notes #561. all play into the design planning
certified irrigation technician or a certified process. A professional landscape
landscape irrigation auditor and request a designer or architect can assist
water audit of existing systems. Consider Dealing with Diverse Sites with the construction planning and
drip or sub-surface irrigation for more Plant for Shade plant selection. The design process
efficient water use. Regular maintenance Use deciduous plants to create shade in generally includes:
of existing systems is necessary to assure the summer to help cool the home, while
efficient water utilization. allowing light penetration in the winter as • a base plan
Even if the system is new, irrigation solar heating. Evergreen trees planted close • site inventory and analysis
heads may need realignment and to the home can create shade year round
adjustment to prevent overspray onto the and block winter sun. • construction documents
sidewalk or street. Sprinkler systems should South and west facing parts of the house
be designed for uniform coverage with • implementation
receive the most intense sunlight; north
some overlap. Irregular patterns will create and east exposures are generally cooler. • maintenance
dry areas interspersed with overly wet areas.

3. Landscape Lighting often increases beneficial organism
Implementation sequence: Municipalities and other government populations. Beneficial organisms include
agencies are moving toward decreasing birds, insects, and microorganisms.
• Obtain permits and locate
light pollution. For these reasons, Multiple plantings of a single species are
underground utilities
incorporate appropriate light schemes into less sustainable.
• Clear the site of any debris, such the landscape including down-lighting. A If a pest problem develops, a correct
as undesirable sod and weeds sustainable solution is to use solar garden diagnosis is important. Different plant
lighting. problems have various solutions. Contact
• Use care to control the roots your local Colorado State University
of perennial weeds, such as Extension office or garden center for
bindweed and thistle, with repeat Maintenance of the diagnosis and treatment options.
treatments of systemic herbicides Sustainable Landscape If treatment is needed, investigate
to minimize future weed problems Many organic yard waste materials all of the possibilities. Commonly, the
in the new landscape can be composted including leaves, grass first reaction is to opt for a pesticide but
clippings, vegetable and flower plants and there are alternatives. Some treatment
• Create a rough grade and identify options include physical barriers, pruning,
small amounts of woody material. Do
major drainage issues
not place weeds, diseased plants or plants sanitation, irrigation adjustments, mulch,
sprayed with chemicals in your compost and proper plant selection.
• Install drainage system if needed
bin. Remember, compost is used as a If pesticides are the best option, choose
• Construct masonry and wood soil amendment, not a soil fertilizer. See one that has the host and the pest on the
projects 7.212, Composting Yard Waste and Garden label. In most cases, a selective pesticide
Notes #231, Plant Nutrition for additional is better than a broad-spectrum pesticide
• Incorporate soil amendments because it tends to have less impact on non-
information.
• Install metal or wood edging and target organisms. Make sure to read and
create shrub borders and planting Reduce Pest Problems follow pesticide label directions.
areas Most pest problems directly correspond
with the health and condition of the plant.
• Install sprinkler heads and drip Other Maintenance Tasks:
Stressed and weakened plants are more
irrigation
susceptible to disease and insect problems. • Annually aerate lawn areas
• Plant all one gallon containers Maintaining plant health will prevent most
or larger including balled and pest problems. • Reapply mulch as necessary
burlaped or bareroot material Start with pest-free plant materials and
• Fertilize as directed
supplies; check for diseases and insects by
• Install bedding plants, ground inspecting all plant parts including leaves, • Remove dead plant debris
covers and turf areas stems and roots, before you purchase them.
Roots should be firm and light in color. • Prune woody plants
• Maintain the landscape
Plant diversity in a yard can discourage
plant pests. A diverse plant population
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of
Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating.
CSU Extension programs are available to all without
discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned
is intended nor is criticism implied of products not
mentioned.