It may be the middle of winter in Pennsylvania, but it’s never too early to think about improving your experience of your outdoor spaces. And now that our neighbor to the west, Punxsutawney Phil, has predicted an early spring, southeastern Pennsylvania homeowners have extra incentive to start focusing on all things green.

And what better way to celebrate the lovely shades of green that will soon be adorning our lawns and gardens than by going green?

Benefits of energy efficiency in your outdoor spaces

Bringing energy efficiency to your outdoor spaces is a win-win strategy for all involved. Here’s how:

• You save money. Using energy efficient equipment and systems means lower utility bills, and focusing on upcycling and recycling décor means spending less on brand-new, pricier items.
• You can use low tech strategies like planting shading or wind blocking trees to keep air around your home more pleasant and enjoyable.
• It’s good for the planet, and an easy way we can do our part—while saving money!

How to up your outdoor energy efficiency

There are many ways to make your outdoor space more energy efficient, from high tech to low tech, and from methods that may require an initial investment up front but pay off over time, to methods that will save you money right off the bat. We’ll be going into further detail on some of these in future posts, but here’s an overview to get you started:

• Conserve water. While some of the methods for conserving water may take a little doing, like installing a drip irrigation system, some are as simple as fixing leaky faucets and opting for plants that don’t require huge amounts of water to thrive. Your trusted landscaping professional will be able to guide you to plants that do well in the southeastern Pennsylvania climate with less water.

• Conserving energy. Many of the same energy conservation tips that work inside your home will also work in your outdoor spaces. Transitioning to energy efficient lighting and appliances can make a significant difference in your energy consumption and your bills. And here’s a tip that doesn’t cost any money at all to put into practice: In between use, unplug appliances!

• Firepits and chimineas. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by burning twigs, branches, and safe refuse from your yard. Safe refuse has not been treated with chemicals, and includes things like piles of raked leaves. As always, it’s important to exercise common sense and the proper safety measures when dealing with fire.

• Repurposed decorating tips. Save money—and the environment—by using repurposed furniture or salvaged wood and other materials to create a chic and welcoming outdoor space that’s people and planet friendly.

For more tips on how to enhance the energy efficiency of your outdoor spaces, talk with a professional landscaper today!