Tiki the Penguin makes a compost heap

Landscaping can have a big impact on how efficient and sustainable a building is in the long run. For example, a few strategically planted trees can help to cool off a building and reduce the amount of energy allocated to air conditioning.

Kent Swanson, a freelance writer specializing in environmental issues, here suggests eleven things you can do to create an eco-friendly landscape that will complement a holistic approach to green building design.