Editorial staff
But then suddenly, it hits you – It seems like such a waste not to do something about it… What if I were to do something about it?
Well, the good news is that you can, and in this article, we'll go over how you can turn that deck of yours into something that benefits not only you but the entire ecosystem.
'Eco-Friendly' Design
Do you want your deck to fight nature, or work with it?
A deck can either fight nature or work with it; it all depends on what your goals are and how you plan it.
Before you give the green light for building, first you have to think of factors such as where the sun affects you the most throughout the day, where's the shade, do you have a wall that blocks the wind, how does the ground slope, etc.
The climate is the most important factor after the soil.
For example, Tennessee has a mix of humidity and heavy rainfall, so a deck builder Gordonsville TN residents use and rely on will always suggest materials that breathe and will suggest a deck structure that drains well.
On the other hand, if you're in Colorado, deck builders will account for the dry air and intense sunlight that can crack the boards if you don't treat them for UV exposure.
If you move that same design to Louisiana, though, then mosquitoes are your worst enemies, and you'll want a screened or fully enclosed one to keep the bugs out.
In short, make sure to build something usable, not just something that's nice to look at.
That's where you start.
How to Create Micro-Habitats Through Design
A deck should be more than a place to sit, so here's how to make yours into a spot that helps the life around it thrive.
Use Native Plants
Natives are absolute superstars. These plants already (naturally) belong in your area, so they won't be hard to grow since they're adapted to all the conditions there. That's one plus, but another important one is that these plants will attract pollinators.
For instance, hummingbirds love Black-Eyed Susans, but so do bees and butterflies. And to top it off, they don't require a lot of care (watering), since they survive just fine with the occasional rain.
Check which plants are native to your area. Pick the ones you like the most and go for these.
A few containers are all you need to keep the wildlife happy and fed.
Build in Small Shelters
Those parts of your deck that you don't really use are ideal for wildlife.
The space under the stairs and corners can hold bee hotels and bird boxes. Toss in a few stones that keep moisture for frogs and toads, too. Also, try to keep bright lights away from these spots because too much glare will scare off nighttime species.
They need darkness to find food and shelter, so keep that in mind.
Collecting and Reusing Rainfall
Stormwater runoff is one of those things nobody notices until it's too late.
Heavy rain starts to fall, hits a hard surface (like your deck, for example), and rushes off. On its way, it picks up dirt and chemicals, and instead of soaking into the ground where it could actually do some good, it floods drains and carries waste into local waterways. Your deck could make this problem less serious.
If you lay the boards with a little slope (even just a few degrees), you can guide the rain into small channels or piles that lead to a barrel or cistern under the deck. And then that water is yours to use for whatever you want!
You can water your garden, fill small ponds and water bowls, clean furniture and surfaces, and anything else that doesn't need treated tap water.
What you can also do is build the turrets, but hide them in the railings. This way, your design won't be affected, and it'll be both eco-friendly and very functional. Just remember to retain access to the gutters so that you have the option to clean them should the need arise.
You can connect the deck with planters. This way, you overflow systems that let extra water drip into the ground instead of having it all around the place.
Once the rainwater is collected, you want it to stay safe. So make sure you use non-toxic materials and sealants on the deck; otherwise, the water might get contaminated.
We don't want that.
Conclusion
That beautiful deck of yours doesn't have to be just a patch of boards designed for you to enjoy the fresh air and that morning coffee or afternoon iced lemonade.
What you can do with it is collect rainwater and feed pollinators. And all you need to make that happen is a couple of native flowers and a water barrel. If it were Nature designing that deck, it would be something like that. So, why not turn your everyday enjoyment into something more, plus you're helping the environment in the process?
A clear win-win scenario!
Editorial staff
