Touch of Dutch Landscaping and Installation


	The Definition
		Sustainable Landscaping in a nutshell is a well designed landscape package, that uses plant material that will thrive under the site specific conditions, without too much maintenance and chemical influence. The plant material selected for the site should not depend on excessive additional watering and should not require excessive pruning and fertilizers. This will minimize the impact on the environment, as well as on the maintenance budget.
	Things to consider
		Special care needs to be given to plant placement, for both exposure and size considerations. Planting too close to a structure will create a constant maintenance requirement, and so will plant material that is planted too close to each other. Choosing plant material that will fit the area that it is planted in will eliminate these issues. For example, planting a Viburnum hedge under a window will not work. These plants will reach a height of approximately 18 to 25 feet, if left alone. So trying to keep them under 3 feet will have a very negative impact on the plant, along with a constant maintenance requirement, which will result in a high maintenance budget and increased plant health issues. Choosing the right plant for the specific area will eliminate these needs, and the plant will be in better health, and have less impact on the environment.
	Proper soil
		The soil conditions need to be examined before plant material is considered. Lack of organic matter results in a low water retention, and fertilizer will not bind and therefore wash out and end up in the water table, causing pollution in the process while the plants don't have a chance to absorb any of the much needed nutrients. The addition of compost to soils before planting is something that is often overlooked, but it is the foundation of a good landscape.
	Plant diversity
		Planting a variety of plants as supposed to planting large areas of the same variety will reduce the effects of pest and diseases and therefore reduce the needs for extra maintenance and lower the effect on the environment.
	Reduction of lawn areas
		The reduction of lawn areas, especially St. Augustine turf, will reduce the need for excessive irrigation, fertilization, weed and pest control. The average maintenance of one acre of turf is +/- $2950.00 per year. Ground covers and larger plant beds are a good alternative. Pollution by lawn maintenance equipment also has a serious effect on the environment, especially two-cycle equipment. The average use of lawn chemicals per acre is 10x more than farmers use on their land. 60-70 Million birds are killed each year, due to pesticides. And beneficial insects are targeted as well, with a pesticide application.
	A Touch of Dutch...
		...will provide you with a Sustainable Landscape Design, install the material and make maintenance recommendations as part of a complete solution to your landscaping needs. You can contact us to set up a free consultation.