Sustainable Landscaping

Explore innovative ideas, methods, and practices below

Low Impact Development (LID)

Low Impact Development (LID) is defined as “an innovative land planning and design approach which seeks to maintain a site’s predevelopment ecological and hydrological function through the protection, enhancement, or mimicry of natural processes.” There are many reasons to use LID, but stormwater management is typically the primary one. Scroll below for different LID ideas. For more information on Low Impact Development click here or watch this short video.
Native/Adaptive Plantings

Using native and adaptive plantings for our Semi-Arid climate is critical to having a sustainable landscape. Used appropriately they can help conserve water, promote good soil health, and they can survive the harsh climate we experience in our region. They are also more adaptive to our soils. To learn more about the different types of Native/Adaptive plantings for our local area click here.
Sustainable Practices

This area focuses on sustainable practices such as permaculture and hügelkultur and the use of local/reclaimed materials, sustainable materials, and equipment that are used for landscaping. To experience Rapid City’s very own Low Impact Development Park that incorporates many sustainable practices visit the ECO PRAYER PARK in the heart of downtown Rapid City, SD.

Learn more about the different types of individual LID facilities and sustainable practices that you can implement into your home landscaping.

Rain Garden/Pollinator Garden

Rain gardens/pollinator gardens can be installed in your yard to capture the rain water that runs off your roof and driveway. The plants planted in them help absorb the water and provide habitat for pollinators while creating a beautiful additions to your landscape. To watch a short video click here. For additional information on building a rain garden click here.
Green Roofs

Green roofs have many benefits and provide an eco friendly approach that mimics the natural environment of the earth that your home was built on. Green roofs at a minimum double the life expectancy of your roofing membrane and protect against hail damage. To learn more about green roofs click here.
Preserving Natural Areas

Reducing your mow able irrigated turf by 50% and preserving natural/wild areas in your landscape is a sustainable practice that maintains habit for wildlife, including pollinators, and reduces your irrigation needs helping to conserve water.
Rain Water Harvesting

To learn more about harvesting rain water for irrigation use visit our page on sustainable solutions and practices to conserve and protect our water resources.
Permeable Pavement

Alternatives to traditional pavement on our paved surfaces can help reduce runoff by infiltrating rain water and melting snow. These alternative materials which include pervious asphalt, pervious concrete, interlocking pavers, and plastic grid pavers, allow rain and snowmelt to seep through the surface down to underlying layers of soil and gravel. They can also help filter out pollutants that contribute to water pollution.
Xeriscaping

Xeriscape landscaping or, "xeriscaping," by definition is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Derived from the Greek word xeros, meaning "dry," the term means literally "dry landscape." Simply put, xeriscape landscaping is a type of gardening that uses a minimal amount of water to thrive. To learn more click here.