Sustainable Solutions | Landscape | Community | Environment

Sustainability in Landscape has many different meanings. At Rexius we define a sustainable landscape as an approach to landscaping that emphasizes plant health, soil health, water quality, and resource conservation. Sustainability does not necessarily mean the elimination of inputs into the landscape, i.e., fertilizers, synthetic compounds, labor, capital, etc. Rather, sustainability means the creation of outdoor spaces that utilize fewer inputs, are environmentally friendly, and are self-perpetuating over a period of time. Most importantly, a sustainable landscape demonstrates a harmonious relationship between the natural and created environment.

Millions of dollars are spent each year designing, implementing, and maintaining urban landscapes. Unfortunately, long-term problems are caused when these processes are not carried out properly. Many of these problems can be avoided or reduced by utilizing sustainable landscape practices. A landscape developed with sustainable practices will improve the environment by conserving resources and reducing chemical applications. A sustainable landscape will also reduce labor inputs making it less expensive overall to implement and maintain. Rexius is committed to accomplish this goal by offering alternatives to our customers that reflect a more sustainable approach.

Plant Selection of the right plant for the right place. Choosing the right plant for the right place and purpose adds greatly to the sustainability of a landscape:

• Locate sun and shade areas of your landscape and identify other concerns, color, views, or privacy?
• Select appropriate plants according to environment and other concerns
• Pick plants that resist pests and use less water
• Group plants by their needs

Protect and Build Healthy Soil with recycled compost and mulch. Compost and the beneficial organisms contained in it keep our landscapes healthy by:

• Providing a natural organic protection against soil erosion and sediment loss
• Creating loose soil structure that allows air, water, and plant roots to penetrate into the soil
• Recycling nutrients and making them available to plants
• Storing water until plants need it
• Protecting plants from pests and diseases with a microbial rich environment

Consider Natural Lawn Care as an option. Turf and lawns are where we often work the hardest, and use the most chemicals and water, while producing the greatest amounts of pollution:

• Mow higher (2 to 3 inches), mow regularly, and leave the clippings
• Fertilize moderately in May, July, and October with a “natural organic” or “slow release” fertilizer
• Water wisely
• Core Aerate to increase oxygen in soil and improve water penetration
• Topdress with compost to improve soil health
• Use compost tea to help reduce disease and increase soil health

Water Wisely for healthier plants. Many of our common plant problems are caused by either over or under watering:

• Water deeply, but infrequently
• Moisten the whole root zone
• Use automatic irrigation systems efficiently to conserve water consumption and provide proper amounts for plants’ needs

These are some of the many things that you can do to build a more sustainable approach to your landscape. Rexius is happy to discuss any alternatives with you that fit your particular needs.  

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