LEED Certified Landscaping for Your Cincinnati Home

Whether you’re interested in a city of Cincinnati tax abated residential project or just want to create an environmentally friendly home, consider the residential LEED program. LEED-certified homes meet certain criteria set out by the US Green Building Council. The right kind of landscaping can help your project reach LEED goals.

“The overarching goal of LEED landscaping is to manage water on the property,” Will Seiler of Seiler’s Landscaping explains. “Rainwater harvesting, irrigation and choosing plants that are non-invasive are some of the elements.”

Landscaping and Hardscaping

When designing for a LEED project, the staff at Seiler’s ensures that every detail is taken into consideration. Trees are located where their shade will provide summer cooling for the home. We choose native plants that thrive without extra fertilization or care. The designs limit hard surfaces, like concrete, because they tend to collect and store excess heat. “For hardscapes, like patios and walkways, we choose materials that are permeable,” Will says. Allowing water to seep down into permeable pavers, for instance, means less runoff flowing into and burdening storm sewers.

Rainwater harvesting can be an important part of a LEED home. Beyond rain barrels that catch water running off a roof, these systems include large tanks that are buried during home construction. Then, the landscape’s irrigation system can pull water from the tanks when conditions require watering. Tanks are easier to install as part of construction of a new home, but they can be set in place if a homeowner is doing a major landscaping overhaul.

Your LEED Landscaping Partner

Depending on the range of “green” elements included in a project, a home can achieve one of four LEED levels: certified, silver, gold or platinum. The more elements you include, the more LEED points you earn.

As a competent, experienced LEED partner, Seiler’s Landscaping has managed large LEED projects. We’ve helped homeowners receive the most points available in terms of landscaping, and contributed to platinum level home projects.

Interested in saving money and saving the planet with your home? Contact us today to discuss your project.

Save 15% On Cincinnati Landscape Lighting Projects

Light the Night Cincinnati Sale

Love the drama and beauty of outdoor landscape lighting? Looking for added safety or simply the aesthetics of lighting a wall, fountain or walkway? Cincinnati homeowners are turning on the power of landscape lighting to add evening hours to their landscape enjoyment. We specialize in complete project management from design to installation to final check in. For a limited time, get 15% off your entire project with signed contract before June 15, 2019.

Offer Ends: June 15, 2019

Book an Appointment today  

Landscape Lighting Pro Tips and Trends From Kichler

Landscape lighting works hard bringing you safety, return on investment and great curb appeal. To make the most of these benefits, pair a professional lighting plan with high-quality light fixtures.

At Seiler’s Landscaping, when we create a plan for lighting, we specify Kichler fixtures. Nick Allen, our Kichler representative, explains why it’s a solid choice. “Kichler offers one of the strongest warranties, coupled with excellent customer service,” Nick says. “The failure rate on these fixtures is less than .5 percent and Kichler firmly stands behind all of their lights.”

Location, Location, Location

Yes, you can go to a big box store and buy a handful of exterior lights. The trick is knowing what type of fixtures you need, how many to install and where to put them. Going with a lighting plan designed by an experienced professional is what Nick recommends. “Your landscape contractor is ultimately the expert on the outside of your house,” Nick says. “Let them feature and embellish your outdoor space.” 

With a professional’s approach to landscape lighting,  certain features of a property or outdoor living space can be enhanced and enjoyed after the sun goes down. Those extra hours of enjoyment are a great return on the investment homeowners make to their outdoor living spaces. “Seiler’s long history and experience makes them an excellent choice in a professional and artistic lighting display,” Nick says.  

What’s New With Landscape Lighting

LED lighting was introduced to landscaping within the last five years. This type of lighting is the most energy efficient. “Kichler has worked to perfect the new technology and continues to introduce new features,” Nick says. While LED lighting has a higher upfront cost, it uses less energy over the long run and features bulbs with long lifespans.

Nick offers another suggestion for kicking your curb appeal up a notch. “Don’t be limited to a 10- to 12-light package,” he says. With the extra investment, you can add more fixtures, or backlight or shadow a feature in your yard. The lighting will set you apart from your neighbors and create a welcoming glow when you come home each night.

Kichler and Seiler’s Landscaping Team Up 

Nick, who has spent 20 years in the landscape industry understands how to make homes look great. We’re humbled that he’s quick to recommend our services. “Seiler’s brings professionalism, ethical business practices, and expert horticulture knowledge to the table,” Nick says. He calls our team (Will, Jim, Darren and Anna) responsive and in tune with clients’ needs. “They build a customer base but they also build a relationship and work to make it a long-lasting one,” he says.

To see more of Kichler’s lineup of exterior (and interior) lighting, go to www.kichler.com.

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% On Lighting Projects

Love the drama and beauty of outdoor landscape lighting? Looking for added safety or simply the aesthetics of lighting a wall, fountain or walkway? Cincinnati homeowners are turning on the power of landscape lighting to add evening hours to their landscape enjoyment. We specialize in complete project management from design to installation to final check in. For a limited time, get 15% off your entire project with signed contract before June 15, 2019. (Offer Ends: June 15, 2019)

Will Seiler Talks Trees with Enquirer's Kathrine Nero

Kathrine Nero, host of the Enquirer’s Coffee Break with Kathrine, hosted her morning broadcast from Seiler’s Landscaping nursery lot this morning. In honor of Arbor Day, Kathrine and Will talked about the best trees for Cincinnati, and how homeowners can make good choices on trees for their yards.

Will took several questions from viewers on Bradford Pear trees, what azalea plant is his favorite and tree maintenance.

Here’s a link to the video!

https://www.facebook.com/Enquirer/videos/571400790034879/UzpfSTE3MTU0ODIyNjM0NTIxNzoxMTg5MDY0NDE3OTI2OTIx/

Is your hardscape outdated?

The winter months when your deciduous plants have dropped their leaves and only the evergreens remain colorful in your garden is the perfect time to review your landscape. This especially pertains to the hardscape on your property. You have an uninterrupted view of how your hardscape surfaces flow together and look without your landscape plants softening and perhaps hiding flaws. If you haven’t added hardscape to your home at all, it would be a great time to visualize where a potential project could really benefit your outdoor living space the following spring.

Begin the process by calling Seiler’s Landscaping and one of our designers can meet you at your home and review your thoughts and give professional advice on where to implement new hardscape features. If your hardscape is outdated, you can call Seiler’s Landscaping right away to begin plans for a new paver patio or walkway in the late winter/early spring. So take advantage of the upcoming winter months to take inventory and plan ahead so when April rolls around your landscape will stand out and be the envy of the entire neighborhood!