Transforming Landscapes

Tree of Life Landscapes Transformed A Suburban Lawn Into A Sustainable Garden

Step into a world where nature’s beauty intertwines with sustainable living. Tree of Life Landscapes, a visionary company based in Colorado, has been leading the charge in redefining the concept of outdoor spaces. By embracing locallysourced materials and native plants, they have breathed life into commercial and residential areas, creating sustainable landscapes that stand tall against the test of time.

Since their establishment in 1998, Tree of Life Landscapes has sought to bring the captivating essence of Colorado’s natural wonders into people’s homes. Emily

Maeda, the vice president and designer, shares her passion for incorporating the stunning flora that thrives in Colorado’s unique environment.

“When we decided to start a company, I was really excited about native plants that do well in Colorado and thinking about how to incorporate the beauty of the natural world around us into people’s homes,” she says. Emily envisions a world where native plants not only thrive, but also grace our surroundings, turning ordinary spaces into breathtaking havens.

But the journey doesn’t end with design; education is key. Understanding the desires and dreams of clients is where the magic happens. Tree of Life Landscapes takes the time to comprehend their clients’ aspirations, translating them into tangible plans that exceed expectations. Explaining the importance of water conservation and the building of resilient plant communities in the arid West, they create designs that not only satisfy aesthetic cravings, but also contribute to the greater sustainability of the region.

One remarkable project that showcases their expertise took place in June 2018 in Longmont, Colorado. A homeowner sought their help in transforming a typical Kentucky bluegrass lawn into an enchanting, low-maintenance meadow bursting with wildflowers and grasses, accented by elegant stone pathways. This captivating space embraces the true essence of Colorado’s landscape, featuring the deep red hues of pineleaved penstemon, the majestic purples of woodland sage, the moody hues of blue oat grass, the vibrant red and white of Jupiter’s beard and the warm allure of Orange Carpet hummingbird trumpet vine. The result is a symphony of colors and textures that delights the eye and invites pollinators and birds to dance in harmony with nature.

Beyond its visual allure, this sustainable garden embodies a deep-rooted commitment to water conservation and ecological balance. Previously, the front yard consumed excessive amounts of water, demanding weekly mowing and constant fertilization. Through this transformative project, Tree of Life Landscapes achieved the ultimate goal of reducing the reliance on grass while creating a breathtaking landscape that defies conventional notions of beauty.

With meticulous attention to detail, the team reshaped the terrain, carefully working around existing trees to preserve their natural grandeur. The installation of an irrigation system and the incorporation of hardscaping materials, such as Colorado red sandstone, seamlessly integrated functionality and aesthetics. The sloped path to the front door, once hidden in a dark hallway, was skillfully transformed into a larger landing that expands the perceived space and welcomes visitors with open arms.

The true beauty of this sustainable garden lies not only in its visual splendor, but also in its ease of maintenance. With minimal mowing required, the clippings themselves become nourishing mulch, contributing to the garden’s vitality. It is through this approach that Tree of Life Landscapes cultivates a sense of stewardship, recognizing that a wellthought-out design and resilient plant choices result in landscapes that thrive with minimal intervention.

Inspired by the success of the front yard transformation, the client entrusted Tree of Life Landscapes to remove the lawn from her back yard as well. Here, mature trees cast their graceful shadows, calling for shade-tolerant plants. With the sod gone, a fresh palette of lush greens breathed new life into the space. A captivating red flagstone pathway meanders through the garden beds, leading to a cozy cafe area, inviting moments of tranquility, while also incorporating many of the same plants from the front yard for cohesivity.

For Tree of Life Landscapes, plants hold immense power within landscapes. As Emily eloquently expresses, “We believe that plants are the power of landscapes. They are what convey emotion and are able to capture people’s fancy and remind them of beautiful places they’ve been previously.”

This belief fuels their dedication to creating breathtaking outdoor spaces that evoke a deep connection with nature, transporting individuals to cherished memories and awe-inspiring destinations.

Get in Touch

Emily Maeda, Vice President of Tree of Life Landscapes

Email: emily@treeoflifelandscapes.com

Phone: (303) 246–6946

https://treeoflifelandscapes.com