Landscaping in a Coastal Climate
Coastal climate varies greatly along the length and the breadth of the globe. From the windy Irish shore and warm, mellow and dry Mediterranean coast to the near tropical climate in Florida, coastal climate varies in character and personality and poses a major challenge to landscaping in areas along the coast.
Landscaping in coastal climate is chiefly threatened by the following forces:
- Fierce high winds
- Loose sandy soil
- Salt spray
- Alkaline water over wash
Despite these factors, immaculate landscaping in a coastal climate can nip the problem of plant and soil erosion in the bud. Here are some great ways to ensure gorgeous landscaping in a coastal climate:
Choose native plants for coastal landscaping: Look around the local vicinity to gain an idea of the kind of plants that grow in the area. Landscaping in a coastal climate that is harsh requires such plants as American beach grass, bayberry, red cedar or beach plum that protect the soil from abrasion.
Nourish sandy soil: Sandy soil, found around the coastline or nearby inland areas is typically dry, permeable and lacking in nutrients. Hence, for effective landscaping in a coastal climate, it is imperative to add large quantities of compost, composted manure and peat moss to improve its nutrient content and ability to hold water.
Use plant screens for defense: Wind and salt spray are rampant features in the context of landscaping in a coastal climate. Therefore, careful planning needs to be done to pick plants and vegetation in coastal climates that can survive such hard conditions. Plant screens come handy in such scenarios. These are living screens made up of more tolerant plants in order to shelter the less tolerant ones.
Landscaping on a sandy slope: Stabilizing a slope made of shifting sand is next to impossible. Therefore, while landscaping in a coastal climate, grow grasses with fibrous roots or shrubs that are known for holding on to the soil and providing a canopy against rainfall, thereby preventing its erosion.
Growing buffer strips for coastal homes: A narrow strip of vegetation acting as a buffer between homes and coastlines traps fertilizers, garden chemicals and nutrients that may get carried away by water during erosion.
Coastal lawn landscaping: Applying a few inches of top soil layer before adding seeds and adding seed mixes that contain more turf grasses is a good idea to contain soil erosion while landscaping in a coastal climate and dry, permeable soil.
Garden furniture and décor: Storm and weather proof stone or teak benches and storm shutters must be used for effective landscaping in a coastal climate.
These factors, if kept in mind, can help in artistic and long lasting landscaping in a coastal climate.
With over 30 years of experience, Scarlett’s Landscape Inc provides tailor made solutions for all your gardening and landscaping needs. To obtain the services of skilled professionals for landscaping in a coastal climate, visit: https://scarlettslandscaping.com/