Homeowners over the past couple of years have spent a lot of time finding ways to go green at home. They’ve invested in everything from Energy Star appliances to updating water fixtures. But don’t forget that you can also incorporate eco-friendly features outside the home as well!
- Choose native, shade-providing, wind protective, drought-tolerant plants.
- Divide, re-root and re-plant existing plants instead of buying new.
- Use permeable pavement for patios, sidewalks, and hardscaping to prevent soil erosion from runoff, filter pollutants and allow tree roots to grow.
- Place rain barrels under downspouts to collect water for plants and other household uses.
- Use solar or geothermal energy to heat pools and spas.
- Save healthy, old-growth trees when renovating to help shade the house.
Is your home’s exterior green in any way?
Tips from the January 2012 issue of Atlanta Home Improvement
Image by Steve Cole on GettyImages.com
