A well-designed garden can serve as a natural barrier against extreme weather conditions, shielding your property from potential damage. Here’s how:

• Flooding: Strategically planting trees, shrubs, and other vegetation can help absorb excess rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and preventing water from entering your home.
• Strong Winds: A garden with a mix of trees, hedges, and shrubs can act as a windbreak, Lessening the impact of strong gusts and preventing damage to your property.
• Drought: Drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems can help conserve water and protect your garden from the effects of drought, reducing the risk of soil erosion and damage to your property’s foundation.
• Storm Surges: A garden with a slope or a retaining wall can help protect your property from storm surges by redirecting water away from your home and preventing erosion.
• Heatwaves: A garden with plenty of shade-providing trees and plants can help cool the air around your property, reducing the urban heat island effect and keeping your home cooler during heatwaves.
• Landslides: Planting deep-rooted trees and shrubs can help stabilize soil and prevent landslides, protecting your property from potential damage.
• Snow and Ice: A garden with a slope or a snow-melt system can help prevent snow and ice from accumulating on your property, reducing the risk of damage to your home andmaking it safer to access.

The growing trend of using artificial grass in residential areas may pose an environmental concern, according to Aviva, a leading insurer. While artificial lawns are often chosen for their convenience and low maintenance requirements, they can contribute to the problem of waste disposal and environmental degradation. The majority of artificial grass products are made from plastic, which has a limited lifespan and eventually ends up in landfills.

The disposal of artificial grass in landfills is a significant issue, as plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose. This not only contributes to the already overwhelming amount of waste in landfills but also has a negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, the production of artificial grass requires significant amounts of energy and resources, which can lead to greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change.

Aviva is encouraging homeowners to consider more sustainable and flood-resilient options for their outdoor spaces. One alternative is to use permeable materials such as gravel, which allows water to drain through and reduces the risk of flooding. Adding drainage systems to outdoor areas can also help to mitigate the risk of flooding and reduce the amount of water that enters the drainage system.

Incorporating planting that allows water to soak into the soil is another effective way to reduce the risk of flooding. This can include plants with deep root systems, such as trees and shrubs, which help to absorb water and reduce runoff. Additionally, using natural materials such as wood chips or bark can help to reduce the amount of impermeable surfaces in outdoor areas.

Overall, while artificial grass may seem like a convenient option, it is essential to consider the long-term environmental implications of its use. By choosing more sustainable and flood-resilient options, homeowners can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Aviva’s warning serves as a reminder to think carefully about the materials and products we use in our outdoor spaces and to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.