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The Benefits of “Greenscaping” Your Northern Virginia or Maryland Yard

Whether you live in Reston, Virginia or Bethesda, Maryland, chances are you’d like for your yard and garden to be healthy and as environmentally friendly as it can be. Following are a few benefits to maintaining a “green” landscape.

Save Energy and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Plants can significantly reduce a building's energy needs since it's cooler in the shade of trees and warmer behind plants that block the winter winds. Plant deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter) on the south and west sides of a building where the sun's rays are most direct and intense. These trees will provide shade during summer but permit the winter sun to provide warmth.

Where there isn't room for trees, shrubs and vines can provide similar benefits.
Computer models devised by the Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of as few as three shade trees will save an average household $100-$250 in energy costs each year. And a Pennsylvania study found that air conditioning needs could be reduced by up to 75% by shading a house with trees! Plus trees are good for the environment because they store carbon and produce oxygen.

Improved Health and Safety

Reduce exposure to chemical pesticides -- Many gardeners over apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets at increased health risk. And, nearly half of all households have pesticides stored within reach of children.

Reduce or eliminate accidents from power tools and equipment -- About 230,000 people each year in the US are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to lawn and garden equipment. Plus, our clean air and drinking water are impacted from pesticides and garden equipment emissions. 

Improve Biodiversity (the number and variety of plants and animals)

Planting native species provides food and shelter for the insects, birds and animals that evolved along with them. Our desire for new homes on larger lots results in significant clearance of natural areas. This fragments wildlife habitat. While less than 10% of all insects are harmful to plants, most pesticides are harmful or lethal to all insects.

No species, not even humans, can survive alone on our planet -- we are all connected and dependent upon an intricate web of life from single celled plants floating in our oceans to the largest trees and animals.

The experts at Chantilly, Virginia-based Lost Creek Landscapes can help you make your yard and garden more environmentally friendly. Our focus is fulfilling our customer's landscaping needs throughout Northern Virginia and is dedicated to realizing each client's unique vision. Call us today!