The landscape architecture at your commercial property or residence isn’t just meant to be aesthetically pleasing. If designed correctly, it has the power to save you or your company thousands of dollars each year all while making a positive impact on the environment.

At McNeil Engineering, our landscape architecture team regularly works with individuals and businesses in order to improve efficiency and cut back on overall irrigation costs. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of sustainably-minded landscape architecture and why taking action now makes perfect sense.

Sustainable landscape architecture: the answer to America’s lawn obsession

The majority of American homeowners want to have green, watered and well-manicured lawns. In fact, a 2005 NASA study found that there are some 40 million acres of lawn in the lower 48 states alone. A similar report from the EPA found that these same lawns soak up over 9 billion gallons of water each and every day. Sadly, up to 50% of that water doesn’t even come in contact with lawns. It often evaporates or doesn’t make contact with plant roots due to faulty or inefficient irrigation systems.

As you can see, a lot of water goes to waste every day. Droughts are becoming more prominent, and according to data from a 2014 Government Accountability Report, 40 of the 50 states expect to encounter some kind of water shortage within the next decade. The data is clear: investing in sustainable landscape architecture now can benefit the health of your business and the community as a whole.

The benefits of water conservation

Water is a finite resource and as the human population grows it’s critical that local, state, and national entities work together to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe and fresh water. Since water is used for almost everything in modern society, it’s critical that we take action now to preserve it for future generations.

Being mindful of our water use can have a ripple effect on everything around us. For example, if you simply turn the water off while brushing your teeth, you can save up to eight gallons of water each day. Likewise, if a business upgrades to sustainable landscape architecture, savings can total 15% on overall water consumption for the year, a number the EPA equates to nearly 7,600 gallons of water.

McNeil Engineering can help you

For over 25-years, our landscape architecture team has been working with businesses and homeowners to cut costs and improve efficiency. We regularly utilize the latest software and computer-aided technologies for design, project management, and cost control measures.

With integrated simulations, 3-D imaging, mapping, CAD and Geographic Information Systems, we can illustrate precise visual representations of a plan and project features allowing for design decisions that make sense. Our full list of capabilities includes:

• Site Design
• Master planning
• Irrigation design
• Landscape design
• Plaza and paving design
• Grading and drainage plans
• Site and landscape remodel
• Cost estimating and budgeting
• Construction administration
• Permitting and city approvals
• Illustrative and graphic design
• Signage and Gateway design

Is it time to upgrade the landscaping at your business or home? Are you tired of opening your water bill each cycle only to see that it’s more than the month previous? As more restrictions are placed on city and municipal resources, investing now in sustainable architecture just makes sense.

Together, we can work to find a solution that meets your specific needs. Whether that means eradicating your lawn altogether and installing gravel, sand, and succulents, or upgrading your current irrigation system with smart technology in order to maximize efficiency, we have the tools, resources, and expertise to get the job done.

To find out more about our services, we invite you to visit our website or to give us a call at (801) 255 – 7700 x152