Landscaping for Energy Conservation Part 1: Energy conservation and environmental quality are among the most critically important issues of our time. The use of these simple but effective Earth-Kind landscaping techniques can greatly assist in reducing energy consumption and costs.
Landscaping for Energy Conservation Part 2: A well planned and installed windbreak can enhance home and community beautification and contribute to increased real estate values. In addition, these Earth-Kind landscaping practices offer one of the most practical methods of reducing energy consumption while preserving and protecting the environment in which we live.
Landscape Design: Developing an Earth-Kind landscape for homes and businesses can pose unique challenges. Wise plant selection and careful attention to improving environmental conditions through soil preparation, proper after-planting care, and efficient irrigation practices are essential. There are no hard and fast rules, since conditions vary from location to location but by following some basic Earth-Kind principles your chances for success will be greatly increased.
Plant Selection: Using well adapted plants is one of the most fundamental elements of an Earth-Kind landscape. offers a number of programs and tools for identifying plant materials that are specifically adapted to your area. These include the Aggie Horticulture Web site, the Urban Landscape Guide, Texas Superstar, Earth-Kind Roses, as well as local Extension recommendations.
Soil Improvement: Given the time, effort and money required for most landscape projects, it’s important to get off to the best start possible. That begins with proper soil improvement.
