What is the goal of sustainable landscaping in relation to maintenance hours?

• A. To increase maintenance time
• B. To decrease maintenance time
• C. To eliminate maintenance needs
• D. To delegate maintenance to professionals

Answer: (B)

The goal of sustainable landscaping is to decrease maintenance time. This approach focuses on designing and maintaining landscapes in a way that optimizes water use, reduces chemical inputs, and incorporates native and drought-resistant plants. By carefully selecting plants that thrive in the local climate and soil conditions, sustainable landscapes require less ongoing maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, and pest management.

This reduction in maintenance not only contributes to water conservation but also saves time and resources for homeowners and landscape professionals alike. While some maintenance will always be necessary to keep a landscape healthy and appealing, the objective is to create a self-sustaining environment that maximizes efficiency and minimizes the labor involved in upkeep. This stands in contrast to approaches that might increase maintenance needs or rely heavily on professional services, which are not aligned with the core principles of sustainability.