We live in an increasingly urbanized world, where open or green space is becoming less common and more highly valued. Landscapes provide an extension of the livable environment where people interact with their world and each other. Unfortunately, many landscapes are neither well managed nor sustainable, with poor plant choices, site conditions, and little or no maintenance. A variety of problems make such places unhealthy or unsafe for plants, humans, and animals. For instance, invasive species are often planted in landscapes, where they out compete more beneficial species, reducing diversity and providing less food and habitat for other organisms.



Is your lawn and garden propped up through heavy chemical fertilization? This is not a sustainable situation. It is important for you to consider ways to improve the soil that supports both your lawn and garden. There are many commercial sources of better soil and compost that will help you achieve your goal. If you prefer to do it yourself, composting, worm beds, and other alternatives are available.

Do you have an urban garden? If so it is important that you know how to revitalize the soil through organic approaches. Keeping your soil alive keeps your garden sustainable.

In urban areas, heavy traffic, combined with a sea of concrete, leads to soil compaction, creating an environment where existing plants cannot obtain sufficient oxygen or water to survive and seedlings cannot germinate. Fertilizers and pesticides are often applied in excessive quantities, which can lead to such environmental disasters as eutrophication of water bodies, destruction of salmon habitat, and poisoning of a variety of organisms. Unsustainable landscapes may also require more frequent weeding, watering, pruning, and other high-maintenance activities to keep them functional.

Learn more about how soil compaction impacts your horticulture. Find out the truth about compost tea. Do you know if your garden shop is dispensing urban myths or factual information? Want to learn some great horticultural tips?

It is important to recognize and apply sustainable management practices as preferable alternatives to current practices. Sustainable or ecologically friendly landscapes, whether in public greenspaces or privately owned, consume less water, have reduced needs for fertilizer and pesticides, and avoid the use of non-native, invasive species.