Many homeowners inspired by HGTV shows want to improve the curb appeal of their homes. The problem is that these projects often involve excessive water, electricity, or unhealthy chemicals. Nowadays, homeowners are looking for ways to boost their winter curb appeal without using a lot of resources. Winter landscape design can help achieve this sustainably. Sustainable home design has been a trend that’s seen rapid growth over the years.
For over 70 years, Bruss Landscaping has been improving homeowners’ curb appeal and providing premium landscaping services in Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, and surrounding areas. You can explore beautiful case studies from our talented landscape architects that’ll offer inspiration here.
What is an Eco-Friendly Home?
People are investing in green practices to reduce their environmental impact. Eco-friendly homes are properties built with sustainable materials and key factors in mind, often enhanced by expert landscape designers. Recent data from the NAHB shows that 73% of homebuyers want an ENERGY STAR-certified house, showcasing the demand for eco-friendly homes. Some key things to look for when searching for this type of property include:
- Good insulation: Reduces the need to turn the heat on.
- Renewable energy sources: Reduces fossil fuels.
- Solar panels: Converts energy from the sun into electricity.
- Water conservation system: Saves and reuses water efficiently.
- The use of reclaimed wood: Avoids carbon-costly supplies.
- Smart technology: Regulates overall temperature & more.
1. Native Plants for Eco-Friendly Homes
The use of native plants has environmental benefits because they adapt to local climate and soil conditions. This means less water is required, and fewer harmful chemicals are used in fertilizers and pesticides. Eco-friendly people like to incorporate evergreens like hollies, pines, and junipers because they stay green year-round. If you’re looking to add more texture to your curb appeal, try adding winter perennials like hellebores. Remember to use as much organic mulch as you can to insulate plant roots. These plant materials are recommendations frequently made by professional landscaping companies with experience in winter landscape design.
2. Add Native Trees for Texture and Color
Much like native plants, these trees will help your curb appeal stand out in the winter with texture and color. Adding dense foliage with input from a landscape architect, such as spruces, cedars, and pines will display a great contrast against the snow. You can also pair this with colorful accents like winterberry holly or camellias. Native trees are also energy efficient, and other environmental benefits include natural privacy barriers and noise reduction.
3. Install Outdoor Eco-Friendly Lighting
Brighten up your yard with eco-friendly outdoor lighting. This will give you the opportunity to highlight and showcase the beauty of your home. Nowadays, there are various solar-powered fixtures and smart technology that can help you achieve a visually appealing outdoor space. Solar panel outdoor lights will also eliminate the need for electricity, which will save you energy costs. Bruss Landscaping specializes in landscape lighting and can help you make your winter landscape design dreams a reality.
4. Design A Winter Garden Container
Winter garden containers are a perfect way to bring life to your outdoor space. Through thoughtful arrangements, you can create displays that attract eyes to your home. If you’re having trouble building your seasonal container, contact our winter landscape design experts at Bruss Landscaping, and we’ll help you elevate your winter curb appeal.
5. Add Inviting Details to Your Entryway
Your home’s entryway is a prime opportunity to increase winter curb appeal. We’ve discussed decorating your front door, but what about the area around your door? If there’s enough space for outdoor seating, then adding a chair or bench made from sustainable materials is a great place to start.
6. Install Window Boxes
Window boxes are an easy and effective way for homeowners to enhance their winter curb appeal. For a sustainable approach, seek window boxes made from recycled plastic or other materials that reduce waste. For example, some window boxes are biodegradable and made from coir, which is ideal for seasonal installations. You can fill these up with winter-resilient plants like hardy blooms and ornamental cabbage.
7. Winter Curb Appeal Maintenance
Keeping your home clean and clear of debris is a necessary step for winter curb appeal. With colder temperatures, it’s easy to neglect these tasks, but it’ll make your home look unkempt. In terms of sustainability, some eco-friendly practices involve using calcium magnesium acetate or sand instead of traditional salt-based deicers. Don’t forget about your front lawn; it sets the backdrop for winter curb appeal, so make sure to remove clutter so the other elements can stand out.
8. Replace Old Windows and Shutters
Replacing old windows comes with many benefits. Modern double/triple pane glass and Low-E coatings provide superior insulation. This reduces heat loss in winter. Eco-friendly windows can also help lower energy costs. Shutters also play a unique role in boosting winter curb appeal. Beyond aesthetics and color coordination, eco-friendly shutters are made from sustainably sourced wood.
Conclusion
Winter curb appeal isn’t just about appearances. It’s a chance to embrace sustainability and enhance your home. From choosing native plants and eco-friendly materials to upgrading windows, shutters, and lighting, effective winter landscape design strategies showcase your commitment to the environment while elevating your home’s beauty.
At Bruss Landscaping, we understand the unique challenges of designing a sustainable and visually appealing winter landscape. Whether it’s installing native plants, designing winter garden containers, or adding inviting entryway touches, our team of experts is here to help bring your vision to life. With decades of experience and a passion for eco-conscious landscaping, we can transform your home’s winter curb appeal into a stunning showcase of sustainability and style. Contact Bruss Landscaping today at 630-665-1600!
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