Discover Ecological Landscaping Brochure Now Available Online!

This 10-page pamphlet starts to answer the question "What is Ecological Landscaping?" Topics include: healthy soils; simple steps to promote healthier environments and clean water; lawns; and ways to create natural habitat. Also included are several resource lists and some tips for selecting an ecological landscape professional. view brochure To order print copies of the brochure in bulk, click here.

Everyday Eco-Actions for a Sustainable Landscape

• Reduce the size of your lawn (or replace a troublesome section of lawn) with an alternative such as a low maintenance meadow, edible landscape, garden, or groundcover

• Let your lawn “rest” during the heat of the
  summer – you’ll reduce water consumption and the grass will green up again when the rains return

• Replace your gas mower with an electric or reel mower – www.safelawns.org/mowing.cfm

• Mow high and let clippings lie – you’ll use less energy and return nitrogen to the soil

• Use a rake to tidy the yard and clean up leaves – you’ll improve local air quality and save energy over a leaf blower

• Recycle your leaves – conserve resources by shredding leaves with your mower and returning them to your gardens. You’ll save money, enrich the soil, and save energy over trucking them to a landfill. Too many leaves? Then...

• Create your own compost pile – turn leaves, vegetable and fruit waste, and other plant material into a valuable soil amendment www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm

• Now feed your soil – use your own or locate a local source of compost that is rich in organic matter

• Plant a tree... or several – trees planted in the right location can reduce your heating or cooling bill www.arborday.org/trees/benefits.cfm

• Plant native groundcovers and deep-rooted, native grasses on steep slopes – you’ll prevent soil erosion and won’t have to mow

• Avoid invasives – visit http://plants.usda.gov to find "who" the rogues are in your state

• Welcome natives – learn how to identify locally invasive plants and remove them from your property then try out a native plant which will provide a better food source for beneficial insects, birds and animals

• Save the rain – capture rainwater in barrels for use during dry periods

• Use permeable materials for a new driveway or parking area – you’ll minimize runoff and recharge groundwater

• Minimize your use of pesticides – learn about non-chemical control methods

• Create habitat for beneficial birds and insects by creating a meadow or other natural areas – don't forget to provide a shallow water source for them to drink from

ELA is Making a Difference in the Landscape

Learn how at the Conference or a Roundtable/Eco-Tour.

Now in its 18th year, ELA remains focused on the education of green industry professionals, concerned citizens, and homeowners. ELA proudly offers high-quality educational opportunities, leading edge newsletters, and diverse networking opportunities.

Ecologically responsible landscape practices are making serious inroads into the public's awareness. This new awareness provides additional opportunities for progress on ELA's mission of educating and advocating for environmentally responsible landscaping and horticultural practices.

The pressures that conventional landscaping practices put on our natural resources continue to grow as the number of people with landscapes to manage grows. The longer resource-intensive practices persist, the more risk we place on our nation's dwindling water supply, the quality of that water, our own health, and biodiversity in general. The public is beginning to understand that there is a healthier way to create and maintain our landscapes. ELA celebrates the progress that has been made in the past 18 years. But there is much more to be done.   read more

The ELA Story

The Ecological Landscaping Association is a nonprofit, member-based organization of landscape professionals, homeowners, and community groups who believe in using landscape practices that are environmentally safe and beneficial.  read more

Get Started Today

For practical tips on ecological landscaping, check out ELA's Hints and How-tos, including videos!