MOST Perth people think about the right now rather than the long-term impact of what they’re putting around the home, says Adrian Mason of decking brand, Trex.
But, with a little consideration, we can make a big difference not only to the outdoor aesthetic, but also the environment.
Adrian tells us how we can make environmentally-friendly choices in our backyard renovations.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWWhat are some easy eco-choices for our yards?
– Use plants that thrive in the local environment such as banksia and lemon trees, aloe vera, wattle, or ferns in pots
– Save existing plants by relocation or propagating using cuttings
– Install a rainwater tank – you can get some great tanks for small backyards
– Choose your feature wisely and give it two purposes – if building a deck, use a system to turn your deck into a water-collection area as well as a functional entertaining space that requires little maintenance (no chemical staining or run-off as traditional timber decks do)
– Dig out run-off areas so when we get our bad Perth rains, the water travels downhill or out of your backyard as you want it to, saving any plants
– Use your outdoor area year-round. The cost-per-use of a backyard or courtyard goes way down if you use it year-round. Add a fire pit, deck undercover, water-resistant furniture or even outdoor televisions to make your space functional no matter the season
Is it expensive?
When you think of the long-term impact on wallets and the environment, there really isn’t a choice between choosing eco-friendly and not.
Plus, most of the above tips can be done DIY if you are handy (or make a fun day of it with friends and family). And if you’re not handy, you can easily call on a professional to do it right the first time and teach you how for next time.