The Washington D.C. area is known for mild winters with little snow, and redirecting stormwater from southern hurricane weather can be an ongoing reason to hire a landscape architect. However, if you think that the only other thing a landscape architect is working during the winter is an elaborate holiday lighted displays, prepare to be surprised. In this article, there are three green projects conducted by landscape architects that are ideal to start in the fall or winter instead of summer or spring.
Why winter is the best time for certain green ideas that involve landscape architects
Landscape architects are specialists in making your property’s outdoor area run optimally. For example, when you have a septic tank on your property, it is important that you do not plant certain types of trees or shrubs too close their drainage pipes, and a landscape architect helps facilitate gardening projects like these. In addition, landscape architects are pros at helping with various types of environmentally friendly landscaping projects, and this has gained a focus because America is becoming savvier about reducing their carbon footprint. Interestingly, in the winter, it is easier for landscape architects to undertake certain types of drainage and water-saving projects.
Why you need to go green by directing stormwater
If you want your home to be a solid investment for the next century, paying attention to the foundation is crucial. Naturally, if the foundation of your home starts to lose integrity, the roof and walls could collapse. Thankfully, the solution to this issue usually involves getting some gutters installed on the roof, but where that excess water goes after it is no longer threatening the foundation of your home is becoming a focus that requires a landscape architect.
What to do with extra stormwater in winter
When you already have a set of gutters in place around your home, the conversion to collecting stormwater is easiest. In many cases, a landscape architect can help you figure out the best place on your property to install a cistern or rain barrel. It is important to work with a professional landscape architect for the rainwater collection project especially if you have a homeowner’s association or limited space. Once the rain barrels are installed, property owners can later use the water for outdoor plants in the summer. On top of this, there are often rebates available for homeowners that keep water out of the storm drains.
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Why collecting stormwater is in vogue
You may have heard that there is a rebate program for some homeowners that install rainwater collecting units. The reasons these programs are so incredibly popular in certain communities and not others point to a city sewer issue. Instead of paying to upgrade or expand sewers, municipalities save money by paying homeowners to keep as much stormwater out of the drains as possible. With the help of a landscaping architect signing off on all of the required paperwork, grading terrain, and creating a holding space for excess rainwater will often give homeowners access to rebate programs.
Starting a turf-free lawn project in winter
Another project that is ideal for landscape architects to begin in the winter is drastically changing the surface of your current lawn. For example, you may have learned about the new turf-free lawns and how they save water. There are also programs popping up in urban areas throughout America that want property owners to remove excess concrete to allow the ground to absorb stormwater (instead of sending it rushing into the city’s ill-equipped storm drains).
Reducing the “heat island” effect
One of the latest green ideas is to reduce the overall heat of a city by getting property owners to help combat the “heat island” effect. The key way to do this is to remove blacktop. The second idea is to not replace it or add something lighter-colored that is porous like white quartz gravel. Of course, landscape architects are ideal for these types of projects since buildings can shift if the concrete is removed without supervision. Along these lines, a landscape architect can spend time in the winter ensuring your home has practical curb appeal with the right renovations after the concrete or blacktop is taken away.
Let us help your landscape go green
At Chapel Valley, we have helped business property owners and homeowners throughout the Washington D.C. area have a landscape they can be proud of. Whether you are looking for drainage solutions, masonry, fountains, green lawn ideas, or simple maintenance services, we are the landscapers you need on your side. Thank you in advance for choosing us for your commercial and residential landscaping services, and we look forward to meeting you.