Earth, as we know, is warming at an alarming rate due to human-generated greenhouse gas emissions.
While our window for mitigation is narrowing, we have a low-risk, low-tech, natural way to reverse warming: land stewardship!
Every landscape has the potential to sequester and store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, turning the soil into what’s known as a “carbon sink.” By maximizing these potentials AND reducing emissions, we might stand a chance at reversing global climate change before our planet is altered forever.
We Are Experts In Carbon Smart Landscaping
How To Make Your Landscape a Carbon Sink:
Cultivate Soil Microbes
Maintain Your Landscape Organically
Plant Deeply Rooted Plants
Plant Woody Trees & Shrubs
Reduce Landscape Maintenance Emissions
Cultivate Soil Microbes
Cultivate Soil Microbes
Soil microbes are the critical workforce for sequestering carbon into the soil. They attach themselves to plant roots to form a symbiotic exchange: microbes break down soil nutrients into a plant-available form and trade them for a bit of sugar water from the plant. This sugar (glucose) is actually converted carbon dioxide, pulled from the atmosphere and converted into glucose through photosynthesis. The microbes then secrete the byproduct glomalin, an incredibly stable form of carbon that also helps to bind soil particles together in the formation of humus, a key component of topsoil.
Some soil microbes are generalists (partner with many plants) and some are specialists (partner with only specific plants). The more diverse and robust the soil microbial community, the greater capacity to sequester carbon at every plant’s roots.
To cultivate soil microbes, we apply organic, natural source compost with biochar and compost tea. This organic material hosts and feeds soil microbes and is the foundation of successful ecological gardening.
Maintain Your Landscape Organically
Maintain Your Landscape Organically
Once you have inoculated your soil microbes, it is critical to maintain your landscape organically. As the saying goes, synthetic fertilizers feed the plant, organic fertilizers feed the soil. When synthetic fertilizers are applied, the symbiotic relationship between plant and microbe is disrupted. Instead of trading sugar for nutrients, the plant is supplied with easy, cheap nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, and the microbes, in turn, look elsewhere for food; the sequestration of stable carbon into the soil is skipped entirely.
Research shows that traditionally managed landscapes have only a 1-2% carbon holding capacity, while on sustainably stewarded land that number can reach 3-5%. If applied at a global scale, we could reduce total carbon emissions by 30-40%.
Plant Deeply Rooted Plants
Plant Deeply Rooted Plants
Deeply rooted plants, like native prairie grasses, are particularly adept at sequestering carbon. The microbes attached to their roots can access and breakdown deep soil nutrients that most plants cannot; the glomalin is then stored at these lower soil depths, where it is at less risk for being exposed to the air and released back into the atmosphere. Planting a diversity of plants with a range of root depths ensures that all strata of the soil are being utilized for carbon storage.
Plant Woody Trees & Shrubs
Plant Woody Trees & Shrubs
Woody plants like trees and shrubs have an additional ability to store carbon in their tissues. Since trees have much larger biomass than herbaceous plants like grasses, they can store more carbon in their tissues. Unfortunately, when forests burn, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere. However, by planting a diversity of plants – perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees, we can diversify our avenues for carbon sequestration and storage, becoming more resilient in our climate mitigation.
Reduce Landscape Maintenance Emissions
Reduce Landscape Maintenance Emissions
To truly create a carbon sink – one that sequesters more carbon than it emits – we need to dramatically reduce the emissions associated with landscape maintenance and construction. Fortunately, nowadays there are many options for electric leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and of course, good old-fashioned hand tools. Not only are these machines blissfully quiet, they are zero-emission and in many cases more ecologically beneficial. For example, electric leaf blowers do not blow nearly as strong, reducing the risk for soil disruption and erosion. Electric, autonomous lawn mowers mow a tiny bit every day, dropping lawn clippings and the nutrients they hold back into the soil (also reducing the need for added fertilizer). By making smart land stewardship and management decisions, we can make every landscape a carbon sink that actively sequesters greenhouse gases.
Green Jay Landscape Design employs the principals of low-impact development (LID) and Sustainable Site Initiative (SSI) during all projects, especially in ecologically-sensitive areas.
We also use state-of-the-art site protection methods during our construction and restoration practices, such as stream bank stabilization, tree protection, and erosion control devices to improve and maintain water quality.
Get started on a sustainable landscape design that will transform your property and your experience with nature. Contact us today.
Landscapes That Inspire
Beauty and sustainability go hand-in-hand. The people behind these properties enjoy a wealth of wildlife and pollinators, minimal maintenance requirements, and peace of mind in knowing their outdoor space supports biodiversity and is built to last. Take a closer look:
Over our years of experience in the Westchester County, New York tri-state area, we've refined our process to ensure outstanding results for our clients. This is what to expect when you work with us:
Step 1- Get in Touch
Fill out our contact form to book a 15-minute call at your convenience. We'll discuss your project to determine if we're the best fit for you. If so, we'll schedule your $300 on-site consultation to develop the plan and budget.
Step 2- On-Site Consultation
Before the consultation, we'll send you a questionnaire. Your responses will give us a better understanding of the project so we can arrive prepared. During the consultation, we consider:
The path of the sun
Soil types
Drainage Flow Paths
Existing vegetation
Viewsheds
Potential for habitat
Invasive Species Control
And more
As we discuss your vision for the space, we'll take photos and annotate your survey to develop a plan and budget. We'll share our ideas, as well, and point out options you might not have considered. Within three business days, we'll provide your landscape design agreement.
Step 3- Landscape Design Contract
Upon contract acceptance and receipt of the design fee, we'll add you to our design queue. We'll schedule the initial site visit to start working on the design. Architectural drawings, 3D renderings, and construction drawings and permitting are available upon request.
Step 4- Initial Design Visit & Site Analysis
This is when we'll take detailed measurements and fully assess the property. Please be prepared to discuss any new ideas or revisions to your goals. We'll let you know when you can expect to receive your finished landscape design.
Step 5- Design Presentation
We'll schedule another visit to review the master plan, which includes:
Conceptual drawing
Planting plan
Plant palette photos
Materials list
Scope of work
Cost
Suggested installation phases
Estimated start and end dates
Your project can be completed in phases. After the design presentation, we'll meet with you on-site or remotely within the week to discuss any revisions you might have and how we intend to proceed. When you approve the design, we typically accept a 50 percent deposit and put you on the work schedule.
Step 6- Installation
With our horticultural expertise, master masonry and craftsmanship, and superior project management, we'll bring your design to life. This includes advanced site development, open communication, and regular updates. All plants are installed according to Green Jay Landscape Design's organic gardening specifications.
Step 7- Final Walkthrough + Ongoing Maintenance
When the project is complete, we'll walk the property with you to make sure everything meets your expectations. We will collect the remaining balance due on your investment, request a review, and schedule a professional photography session.
We’ll assist you in learning how to take care of your new garden. If your property is larger than five acres, we'll invite you to join our Sustainable Stewardship Program. For smaller projects, we can refer you to local, organic maintenance providers.
Eco-Solutions for Landscape Design
We specialize in regenerative landscape design and full-service installation. As general contractors, we can work with multiple architects, engineers, and specialty contractors to complete complex projects. Take a closer look at what we can do for you:
Stormwater Management
Left to its own devices, stormwater can gather pollutants and erode your landscape. Green Jay Landscaping can design creative drainage solutions for your property.
Wetlands are Mother Nature's filtration system! We can turn your wetland burden into an asset – meeting local wetland regulations with beautiful design.
More than just "weeds," invasive species can out-compete other plants and reduce biodiversity on your property. Let us take care of your invasive problem holistically and responsibly.
We face many challenges from steep slopes to stream bank failure. As our climate shifts, it increases the need to anticipate and design sustainable systems that will withstand flooding and serve storms.
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Enhance Your Environmental Expertise While Earning Competitive Pay and Working With a Supportive Team
We offer excellent career opportunities for passionate, hardworking professionals who have a love of nature and a desire to work outdoors. Expand your knowledge and grow as a landscaping expert with paid training and education, as you help us improve the environment and encourage interaction with the natural world. Visit our Careers page to learn more and apply today.
Discover What Responsible Land Stewardship Can Do For You
A sustainable landscape design supports biodiversity while reducing your water usage, maintenance chores, and personal stress. It's the first step toward reducing your exposure to toxins and living a more joyful life at home, knowing that your decision to install a rain garden, plant trees, or build a natural stone patio and fire pit is supporting the natural world as it creates a welcoming, beautiful space for you to enjoy in Westchester County, New York. We design landscapes for better living, for health and healing of the land and water, our bodies, minds and souls.
Landscape design is a collaboration that puts your vision at the center of our work, and challenges our environmental expertise to ensure we bring it to life in a way that's lovely and lasting. Contact us today to get started.