Challenges and Incentives for Sustainable Landscaping Outlined by Dwell on Design Panel

Cassy Aoyagi participated in the "Cultivating Green and Gardens in the City" Sustainability Panel led and moderated by Dwell editor Jordan Kushins. The panel covered several topics, including the challenges to "greening the City" presented by municipal ordinances and incentives.

Panelists from Guerilla Gardening and Tree People noted that municipal ordinances present challenges for creating and maintaining community based gardens and trees in public space. Ensuring the maintenance of trees and landscapes planted on land where the authority and responsibility for maintenance is unclear can be frustrating, as even sustainable landscapes need attention to thrive in the long term. Other challenges include gaining permission to plant public spaces and regulations that unwittingly complicate the use of some sustainable practices.

FormLA Landscaping stays on top of continually evolving ordinances related to landscaping throughout L.A. County, in part to protect maintenance clients from new fines and fees associated with various practices. Aoyagi noted that local municipalities also provide great incentives for sustainable landscaping.

"The City of Santa Monica, for example, provides up to $5000 for homeowners replacing thirsty lawns with water wise alternatives, such as native grasses and native gardens," noted Aoyagi. "We work to ensure our clients earn those incentive and rebates for their efforts."

Panelists also discussed educating youth about green spaces and the vibrant and growing home gardening trend.