You probably take pride in the fact that you’re living in one of the most beautiful states in the USA — New Jersey. Sure, Garden State is all about beauties and natural wonders surrounding you everywhere. But being a highly populated, industrialized, and urbanized state, New Jersey puts increasing pressure on its environment. Sustainable landscape design can help address this problem by reducing the amount of resource exploitation required for ongoing development and building beautiful outdoor spaces. So, let’s see how this concept can help turn our wonderful state into a greener, even cleaner, and more appealing place.
1. Water Conservation
In New Jersey, sustainable landscape design features the use of drought-resistant plants, rain gardens, and other water-saving tools. Homeowners and developers can reap large water savings by applying efficient irrigation systems and minimizing the water used for landscaping. This is especially relevant in the coastal areas, where water scarcity has already become problematic. For instance, the New Jersey Water Supply Plan projects a population growth of 14 percent per decade through 2030. To curb the problem, the water supply may benefit from using less water in the increasingly popular landscaping practices.
2. Reduction of Carbon Emissions
In addition to waste management, sustainable landscape design also helps decrease carbon emissions and contributes to creating a healthier ecosystem in New Jersey. With the use of native plants and trees that require less water and maintenance, the facilities need less water and energy resources to maintain them. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more vegetated areas have lower levels of air pollution and temperature than concrete pavement. Sustainable landscape design contributes to the preservation of the scenic beauty of New Jersey and at the same time provides a healthier environment.
3. Habitat Creation
Aside from all the top advantages of a sustainable landscape design in New Jersey, it can also help build a habitat for wildlife, meaning birds, insects, and other beneficial fauna. Native plants and trees can become a source of food, shelter, and some breeding grounds for local wildlife which can in turn support biodiversity and general health and resilience of the landscape. According to a survey by the New Jersey Audubon Society, the bird population in the state declined due to such leading factors as urbanization. By creating habitats for such wildlife, it would be possible to reverse the decline of the bird population.
4. Health Benefits
Sustainable landscape design in New Jersey also provides numerous health benefits. By incorporating green spaces into landscapes, homeowners and developers can reduce stress, improve air quality, and promote physical activity. According to a study by the University of Washington, exposure to green spaces can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by 32%. This not only improves mental health but also reduces the need for medication and other health interventions. By incorporating green spaces into landscapes, sustainable landscape design can help to promote a healthier and more resilient community.
5. Economic Benefits
Sustainable landscape design in New Jersey also holds certain economic benefits. On the one hand, when designing a landscape with the use of native plants and trees, it is necessary to mention that water and fertilizers can be cut. A study provided by the National Association of Landscape Professionals explains that sustainable landscape design can help reduce the water used in landscaping by 50%. Therefore, no additional expenses for such supplements are needed, which is beneficial. In addition, sustainable landscape design nurtures the state’s economy and promotes ecological designs. Thus, homeowners could save money on the transformation of the surrounding with the sustainable landscape design as well as developers constructing new buildings and complexes.
As a resident of New Jersey, it is important to recognize the benefits of sustainable landscape design and prioritize its implementation in both residential and commercial properties. By working together, we can create a greener and more sustainable future for our state.
