Landscape to minimize chemical use
Lawns need water and chemicals to prosper.
Pesticides and fertilizers can wash into nearby bodies of water, contributing to pollution. In addition, lawns consume large amounts of water and require mowing. Low-maintenance turf grasses are available for many regions, including buffalo grass for dry, sunny places and native fescues for cooler, cloudier locations. Locally adapted prairie plants, woodland flowers, trees, and dryland succulents and cactuses are potential alternatives. Native landscapes may be more difficult to establish but they are usually less expensive to maintain.
Green points
LEEDLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
-H: 2 points for meeting several landscaping conditions including the use of drought-tolerant turf, and up to 3 points for liming the percentage of the lot converted to turf (SS 2).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: Up to 4 points for limiting the amount of turf (503.5).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Landscape: Native Plants and Soil
Further resources
