Sustainable Landscapes & Gardens

California Friendly Landscaping

California friendly gardens and landscapes provide numerous benefits for the environment. Not only do California friendly landscapes result in reduced irrigation demand, but they also reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, restore soil health, and result in reduced maintenance needs. There is a wealth of information available on the web regarding California friendly landscaping. Check out the tips and links below or check the South Bay Environmental Services Center calendar for more information on local events.

• Check out this California Friendly Garden Guide or take a self-guided tour of these local South Bay California Friendly Demonstration Gardens;
• Use native and drought tolerant plants in your garden to reduce the amount of water, fertilizer, and pesticides needed;
• Follow these Sustainable Pest Management practices to control pests in your garden;
• Group plants into zones by amount of water needed, as well as soil type and sun exposure;
• Use turf only where needed as a playing surface and water on a cycle to develop deep roots which will allow turf to stay green using 1/3 less water. Check out CalWater’s turf replacement rebates;
• Employ Water Conservation practices in your landscape, including:
  • Switching to smart weather-based controlled automatic zoned irrigation
  • Using drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or micro spray systems to minimize runoff and overwatering
  • Inspecting irrigation systems regularly and fix leaks or broken sprinkler heads
• Choose lower water demanding variety when establishing turf such as UC Verde developed by researchers at UC Riverside;

California Water Service offers rebates for installing high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles and smart irrigation controllers to reduce water waste. Also, check SoCal Water$mart for water conservation rebates.”

Healthy Soil 

Healthy soil provides a variety of benefits that are well documented in scientific research and popular documentaries.  It absorbs and stores more water, preventing erosion and loss of nutrients from your garden.  It also helps to support diverse wildlife including butterflies and bees and assists in more efficient nutrient cycling for healthier plants.  The tips below will help boost the health of soil in your landscape and garden.

• Use compost to replace chemical fertilizers and build healthy soil and plant roots—purchase compost or make your own with backyard composting;
• Worm composting, also known as vermiculture, produces an amazing natural liquid fertilizer for plants;
• Contact your City’s trash hauler for information on discounted compost and worm bin programs;
• Visit the County of L.A. Public Works for workshops that offer discounted compost and worm bins.

Fire-Smart Landscaping

Fire is a part of the natural environment in California so fire resistance is crucial for properties near the urban/wildland interface. Below are some informative links from CAL FIRE, LA County Fire and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources for reducing wildfire risk around your landscape.

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    Consider these ways to create defensible space via vegetation management.

  • Make sure your landscape is fire-smart by choosing plants that are fire-resistant and thrive in California’s desert climate.
  • Check out this summary from the LA County Fire Department for ways to increase your landscape fire resistance.
  • Wildland Fire Safety Starts in the Home
  • Make sure to remove dead and dying trees to reduce wildfire risk.