Never before has the community been so concerned about the environment. Much closer scrutiny is now being placed on the impact that the actions of individuals, businesses and governments are having upon the environment.

Tropical Landscaping nternational is a leader in environmental management and prioritizes the use of eco-friendly products and plant species. Environmental Management includes many aspects such as water use and quality, treatment of waste, use of fertilizer and chemicals, use of electricity and other fuel sources, noise and many other elements. Nearly everything that a person or company does with a piece of land will affect the environment in some way, and Tropical Landscaping nternational takes it upon ourselves to ensure that this effect is positive.

Environmentally friendly and beneficial strategies that Tropical Landscaping nternational uses and recommends include:

• Irrigation reduction and water quality - Through the use of indigenous and adapted species of plants, the use of salt and waste water tolerant grasses and plants, correct and efficient irrigation scheduling and application (including making sure taps are not leaking!) TLI can reduce the usage of mains water irrigation by up to 50%. TLI is especially conscientious of water quality and through control of drainage, run-off and leaching of nutrients catchments, water features and natural water ways are preserved and aquatic life protected.
   
• Organic Fertiliser - Wherever possible TLI uses organic fertilizers for the grow-in and maintenance of landscaped areas. The use of the correct organic fertilizer reduces excessive growth, assisting with water and nutrient retention, as well as increasing the amount of beneficial microbes that control certain pests and diseases.
   
• Soil testing – Beneficial in a number of ways but primarily to determine a scientifically relevant fertilizer program, reducing wastage, and also to determine the health of a soil on a whole. Soil testing identifies any toxic, or potentially toxic elements in the soil, and also any potentially plant damaging shortcomings in its constitution.
   
• Noise reduction – Especially relevant in residential, hotel or hospital situations, TLI reduces the amount of resonated noise in a number of ways. Initially during the design phase, plans are made to shield potentially noisy areas from more sensitive areas using bulk plantings and the use of mounding and hardscaping. During the maintenance process, TLI uses electric machinery when possible (also reducing usage of fossil fuels), as well as the scheduling of noisy tasks at the most opportune time (not at 6 a.m. when people are trying to rest!).
   
• Waste Reduction – Landscaping provides a lot of potential wastage, whether it is plant cuttings, leaves or grass clippings, as well as packaging of fertilizer or chemicals. TLI recycles all packaging and composts all natural waste for use as mulch and organic fertiliser.