There are a number of environmentally-friendly, and attractive materials that can be used to add finesse to your lawn and garden, and they won’t place a strain on the environment. These options can help “green” your porch, patio, walkway or landscape and include materials, such as soy concrete stain, composite decking, tumbled glass, rubber mulch and synthetic grass. Here’s a list of some appealing materials you should consider for your next home improvement project.
- Safe and Simple Soy Concrete Stain
The designs and colors that can be created with green building-compliant soy stains are nearly limitless. For decorative concrete patios or pool decks, soy stain is an excellent alternative to acid stain. It provides a similar look, but it’s acid-free and very low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), so it is non-hazardous. Plus, soy stains are easy to use and will not chip, flake or peel.
- Attractive and Durable Composite Decking
If it’s a wooden deck you want, consider going with composite decking made from wood waste and recycled plastic. It looks like the real thing, but saves trees and has a number of other desirable qualities, such as strength, stability and durability. If you live in a climate of extreme temperatures, it’s a great choice as it won’t warp, crack, splinter or rot like wood. It removes that ‘walking-on-coals’ experience, too. When it’s sunny, it doesn’t get nearly as hot as pressure-treated wood.
- Decorative Tumbled Glass
Looking for an artistic and original option for your patio or walkway, or to incorporate into your landscaping? Think tumbled glass. This creative material is made from recycled glass that has been thoroughly tumbled to smooth away sharp edges, making it safe for any application. A wide variety of color options provides abundant creative possibilities, including wavy lines, abstract art and mosaics. You can use tumbled glass for dry river beds, fire pits, fountains, fish ponds, water features and more.
When you use tumbled glass instead of garden mulch, you also receive some added benefits:
- It’s safe for kids and pets
- It conserves water and helps maintain a consistent soil temperature
- It withstands heavy drainage without washing out
- It doesn’t break down over time or need to be replaced, which saves money in the long run.
- Recycled Rubber Mulch
Rubber tires are a super-sized problem for our nation’s landfills. There’s a great way to make use of them, though: rubber mulch. Made from 100 percent recycled rubber from old tires, the mulch is increasingly popular for landscaping and playground surfaces because it’s virtually indestructible and lasts practically forever. Need more reasons? It actually prevents new weeds from growing, won’t attract insects and allows for the free flow of water and air into the soil.
- Synthetic Grass Never Needs Mowing
Tired of the lawn maintenance required through snowy winters or scorching hot summers? Go artificial. Synthetic grass is a clean, safe, non-toxic, lead-free and maintenance-free alternative for a lush, green lawn. It requires no water, no chemicals from fertilizers or pesticides, and no mowing. Plus, it stays green for years. Wait, let’s repeat that: No mowing. Ever.
Earth-friendly options will enhance the overall beauty of the outdoor environment surrounding your home. Further, these options equal — many times even surpass — synthetic alternatives in both durability and endurance. It’s worth spending the time to learn about them and determine if they’re the right fit for your home expansion or improvement plans. And, to help avoid having to spend your outdoor renovation budget on costly repairs or replacements, you might want to purchase a home warranty to keep your home’s systems and appliances running smoothly. It’ll give you peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your newly “greened” outdoor area!
Disclosure
The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
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