Uses of Plantings Other Than for Beauty in the Bennington and Elkhorn, NE Areas
When it comes to landscaping, plantings are often associated with their aesthetic appeal, for adding beauty and charm to outdoor spaces, but that doesn’t even come close to all of their practical benefits. In Bennington and Elkhorn, NE, plantings can serve multiple purposes beyond their beauty, to enhance your outdoor environment and contribute to a more functional and enjoyable landscape.
Environmental Benefits of Plantings
Plantings play a crucial role in promoting a healthy environment, since they have the power to improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Strategically planting trees and shrubs can help mitigate air pollution by capturing and filtering harmful gasses and particulate matter from the air. Plus, plantings act as natural erosion control measures, preventing soil erosion and preserving the integrity of your landscape.
To maximize the environmental benefits of plantings, consider selecting native plant species that are well adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants require less water and maintenance, making them sustainable choices for landscaping. By incorporating a diverse range of plant species, you can attract beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife, creating a vibrant and balanced ecosystem in your outdoor living space.
Plantings for Privacy and Noise Reduction:
Plantings offer an effective solution for both increased privacy and decreased noise pollution in your outdoor space. Well-placed trees, hedges, and tall shrubs can act as natural barriers, shielding your property from prying eyes and minimizing unwanted noise from neighboring areas or busy streets.
When selecting plantings for privacy and noise reduction, consider fast-growing species that have dense foliage, such as Leyland cypress or arborvitae. These plantings can establish a screen relatively quickly and provide an effective barrier throughout the year. Proper spacing and strategic placement are essential for maximizing privacy and noise reduction benefits.
Plantings for Shade and Energy Efficiency
During the hot months of summer, shaded areas in your landscape can significantly improve comfort and reduce energy consumption. Plantings that provide shade can help lower the temperature in outdoor spaces, making them more enjoyable for relaxation or outdoor activities. Furthermore, using strategically placed plantings to effectively shade key areas of your home, such as windows and outdoor HVAC units, can reduce energy consumption and lower cooling costs.
To harness the benefits of shade, consider planting large deciduous trees on the southern and western sides of your property. These trees will provide shade during the hot summer months when their leaves are full, and then allow sunlight to penetrate through during the cooler seasons when the leaves have fallen. For an architectural addition, pergolas covered with sun-loving plants can provide shaded areas for seating or dining.
Plantings for Water Conservation
By selecting drought-tolerant plants and implementing efficient irrigation practices, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape while conserving water. You landscapers can help you choose native or adapted plant species that are well-suited to the local climate and require minimal watering once established. They’ll also be able to group plants with similar water requirements together, allowing for more efficient irrigation. Other techniques, such as mulching around plantings to help retain soil moisture and incorporating an irrigation system, can reduce the need for frequent watering.
Related: 14 Low-Maintenance Plantings for Your Cornish Heights and Elkhorn, NE, Area Front Entrance
About the Author
Since 2008, we have shared our passion for the great outdoors by creating award-winning landscapes that inspire our customers to spend more time outside. As a first-generation company, we’ve persevered through entrepreneurial challenges, put our strong Midwestern work ethic to good use, and got our hands and boots dirty to become what we are today—a successful business with four locations spanning across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Tennessee.
