Central Florida Energy Consultant  

Xeriscape Principles:

• Good Planning and Design
• Practical Lawn Areas
• Soil Improvement 
• Efficient Irrigation
• Proper Use of Mulch
• Native Low Water Demand Plants
• Consistent Maintenance Program

Xeriscape is misconceived by some to be unattractive, or predominantly cactus or rock landscaping. The decreased turf area in some Xeriscape designs is not preferred by some and is associated as the predominant characteristic of these landscapes. However, there are appropriate turf grasses that can be used in Xeriscape type landscapes that ascribe to the basic Xeriscape principles.

Any sustainable home should include enviroscaping as a way not only to beautify the home's surroundings, but also as a way to save energy and enhance the surrounding ecosystem. The practice of enviroscaping is quite simply using your landscape as a way to reduce energy use. Enviroscaping cuts summer and winter energy costs, protects home from winter wind and summer sun, reduces consumption of water, pesticides, and fuel for landscaping and maintenance, and helps to control noise and air pollution.

Landscaping is usually built into the costs of any new home project.  If you are building a new home, your builder should be aware that you wish to utilize green building practices. Make sure that they follow the same plan when it comes time to plant trees.  For those of you who are giving your existing home a green makeover, the following tips can help your green remodeling have an even greater impact at helping the environment.

Your plan should include both native deciduous and native evergreen trees.  The best locations for deciduous trees are on the south and east sides of a house to provide shade during summer, and allow the sun’s warmth to penetrate during the winter months when they lose their leaves.  Evergreens are best planted on the north and west sides to provide protection from cold winter winds.

Shrubs and ground covers can help improve the energy-efficiency of your landscape as well.  Planting shrubs, bushes, and vines next to your home creates a dead air space that insulates your home both winter and summer.  Groundcover plants will shade the soil and pavement around your home, reducing radiation and cooling air before it reaches your home.

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