A Sustainable Backyard:
Conservation Tips
Sustain the Environment and Your Property’s Value
Many homeowners take great pride and joy in their backyards. It’s one of the most private spaces they own, where they can create a peaceful oasis right outside their door. Whether it’s an area for entertaining friends and family or a place to relax in nature with a good book, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating an outdoor living space.
You may have filled your backyard with garden beds for some homegrown tomatoes and herbs or with lush green grass for the kids to play in.
If you’re considering selling your home, having a well-kept yard can increase your curb appeal, as well as provide a pleasant outdoor space that extends your home. Ensure that your backyard garden reflects your long-term garden goals before you start creating urban agriculture magic.
Save water by reducing your usage
Nearly 3 trillion gallons of water are consumed each year by lawns across the country. A report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that outdoor water usage accounts for over 30 percent of household water use, but can reach 60 percent in arid regions. As a result, much of the water is wasted due to inefficient irrigation systems that don’t evenly distribute water and allow it to be picked up by the wind.
Consider how you can maximize your lawn space without using too much water before you purchase rolls of grass to plant across it. There is a growing movement among sustainability organizations to implement material landscaping, which saves water and provides more areas for bees and other pollinators to exist.
Consider reducing the amount of lawn space you maintain with some beautiful rock beds, mulch-covered gardens, and flower beds that can help retain water if you prefer natural grass. Succulents and lavender are classic curb appeal plants that can fill your yard easily and are less water-intensive than grass. Using sod can also help you conserve water. There are three alternative types of grass to standard sod that are about 50 percent less water-consuming than standard grasses like UC Verde Buffalo Grass and Dune Wedge.
Whenever you are unsure, choose food
You can gain a lot of satisfaction from growing your own food. Urban agriculture’s presence makes neighborhoods more sustainable, and you get the satisfaction of caring for something that cares for you. It is an appealing and progressive scene that can make a home seem more appealing to prospective home buyers who are checking out the neighborhood.
You can change your yard from grass to neatly planted garden boxes if you aren’t sure which direction to take. You can improve your home’s curb appeal by adding green features, especially when you add green features to it.
When the time comes to sell your home, raised garden beds can add some vibrant blossoms to your outdoor space. Any potential home buyer will be impressed by the bright colors of colorful flowers in an already appealing garden space.
Invest in solar power
Using solar power is another great way to incorporate sustainable practices. When you decide to sell your house, you may want to consider installing a small amount of solar power to reduce electricity costs.
Home buyers are often willing to pay up to $15,000 more for homeowner-owned solar arrays, according to a Berkeley Lab study. Additionally, adding solar panels can help you sell your house more quickly. Solar panel-equipped homes sell 20% faster than those without, according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
In addition to the region, market, and many other factors, green home features will have varying returns on investment. The beautiful, sustainable yard you create can make a huge difference in the price you receive if you’re a homeowner preparing to sell. You will be able to make a positive impact on your home and future homebuyers by conserving resources and planting trees with your gardening habits.