Eco-Scape(TM) Certification

Have you ever given thought to how your yard contributes to your environment? Have you considered the impact your own landscape has on the environment around you? Were you aware that your lawn alone has the ability to provide all the oxygen your family requires every day? Did you know that through proper landscaping, you could reduce the amount of energy your family requires every year? That through the proper selection of plant materials and care of them, that you can cut your water usage dramatically while still providing reduced greenhouse gases, smog, other airborne and water borne pollutants?

I’ve recently been working with Chanshare Farms. Randy Marble, the owner of Chanshare Farms, has identified certain key characteristics of landscapes and landscape practices that make a significant difference in the ecological and environmental impact that your yard has, both on you and your family and the surrounding community. As a result we have developed Eco-Scape™ Certification. You might find these principles to be of value as you work on your yard;


Eco-Scape Certification Requirements
Eco-Scape Certified participants are committed to and document that they are focused on the following;
Promoting green space establishment that reduces CO2 levels in the atmosphere
Creating water wise landscapes that improve quality of life on our planet
Lowers water, electrical, and fuel usage on existing landscapes
Reducing their carbon footprint on the planet
To be Eco-Scape Certified, a participant must be committed to at least the following:
Topsoil Preservation and Creation
Examples;
Topsoil is separated from subsoil during excavation and then replaced over the top
Green waste materials are combined with natural soils to create new seed bed materials
Outdoor Watering:
Examples;
Landscape stop and waste valves are installed during construction; before trenches are back filled.
Systems utilize Mammoth Gripers, soil moisture or et sensors to improve efficiency to over 85%
Sprinkler heads utilized are low flow stream type heads such as MP Rotators to reduce evaporation,
excess runoff, and erosion as well as water usage.
Longer watering cycles are broken into shorter segments with 10-15 minute breaks
Plant Materials;
Examples;
Drought tolerant turf and plants are utilized in the landscape
Plants are grouped in sprinkler zones by water use requirements
Mulches are utilized in planting areas to encourage water conservation
Plants are utilized that take into consideration native wild life habitat.
Deciduous trees are placed to shade structures during summer season
Maintenance Practices
Examples;
Grass mowing practices enhance root growth
Grass clippings are mulched back into lawns or mixed with mulch materials and reutilized on site
Fertilizers and Pesticides are utilized sparingly and only at appropriate levels
Mulches are replaced and rejuvenated annually
Planting areas are kept weed free

Other: