Waterwise LandscapingThe initial costs can be significantly higher than traditional landscaping techniques but the benefits are worth it. As an example, the use of drought-tolerant plants can help decrease water bills and avoid the cost of expensive irrigation systems.
Major energy expenses in landscape maintenance are water pumping and treatment, the manufacture, purchase and shipping of fertilizers, insecticides, and other gardening chemicals that are not used in LID techniques. Air Quality improvement, decrease in urban heat island effect, reduction of energy costs, noise reduction, roof life extension, aesthetic improvements, and LEED point awards are some of the benefits that come from using these green design techniques. LID strategies also can increase property values due to the desirability and marketability of a green and sustainable habitat, and their proximity to open space.
Although initial costs are high, implementing water-efficient design is important; forests, agriculture, suburban and undeveloped urban lands are replaced with impervious surfaces with urban development. Green development practices are not just beneficial to our health, they also reduce environmental impacts and reduce long-term costs.
