Sustainable landscape practices for Vermont.
Sustainability is not a tagline — it’s a set of specific decisions about materials, methods, and maintenance. Here’s what we actually do at Cairn & Cedar to keep our work environmentally honest.
— Why this matters
Sustainable Landscape Practices for Vermont — and why it matters in Vermont.
‘Sustainable’ has been marketed into meaninglessness. Here’s what we actually do — concrete decisions about what we use, what we avoid, and why. None of this is virtuous on its own; it’s just better landscape work that happens to be more responsible.
— Quick reference
— The detail
What to know.
The working detail — what we apply on every Cairn & Cedar project.
Local material sourcing
60-mile radius for stone, cedar, and plant material. Reduces transportation emissions, supports Vermont mills and quarries, ensures supply for future additions/repairs.
Native plant emphasis
60%+ native species in every planting plan. Native plants support native pollinators, native birds, native soil biology. Cultivars and well-behaved exotics have a place; natives are the foundation.
No synthetic herbicides
We don’t use glyphosate, atrazine, or other synthetic herbicides on our projects. For invasive removal, we use mechanical methods (cutting, digging) or, in extreme cases, organic-approved methods. Slower; better for soil biology.
Soil biology preservation
We don’t strip topsoil unnecessarily. We don’t compact soil with heavy equipment in plant beds. We use compost-rich soil amendments rather than synthetic fertilizers. Healthy soil biology is the foundation of low-input landscapes.
Drainage as ecological infrastructure
Rain gardens. Bioswales. Daylighted French drains that soak into the property rather than running to municipal storm sewers. Water that hits your property stays on your property and recharges groundwater.
Long-life construction
100-year stone walls. 25-year cedar structures. The most sustainable thing we can do is build things that don’t need to be rebuilt. Frost-line footings, proper drainage, real joinery — these are sustainability decisions.
Honest maintenance expectations
We design for intentional maintenance, not ‘low maintenance.’ A garden that asks something of you in exchange gives back tenfold. The myth of ‘maintenance-free’ leads to landscapes that depreciate; we design landscapes that appreciate with care.
— Frequently asked
What clients want to know.
Do you do organic / pesticide-free maintenance?
We don’t use synthetic herbicides on installs or in maintenance contracts. For our installed gardens, we recommend ongoing maintenance from organic-practice gardeners (we maintain a list of recommended local services). We don’t currently offer ongoing maintenance ourselves — we focus on design and build.
What about soil amendments?
Compost (sourced from Green Mountain Compost or Vermont Compost Company). Aged horse manure where appropriate. Soil testing first to identify actual deficiencies. We don’t blanket-apply synthetic fertilizers.
Can you work in a pollinator-friendly way around an existing pool or hot tub?
Yes. Pool chemicals don’t significantly impact surrounding plant beds when drainage is designed properly. We build pollinator gardens within 20 ft of pool decks regularly. Native plants near pools handle splash and humidity fine.
What about lawn?
We design less lawn than most landscapers. Lawn is high-input (mowing, watering, fertilizing) for relatively low ecological value. We replace lawn with naturalistic meadows, native ground covers, or designed garden beds where it makes sense — keeping lawn only where it serves a specific use (play space, formal entry, etc.).
Do you handle stormwater runoff?
Yes — proper drainage IS sustainable practice. Rain gardens, bioswales, and on-site retention all keep water on your property and out of municipal systems. We design drainage as both functional and ecological infrastructure.
What about climate change adaptation?
We’re already thinking about it. Plant choices that handle warmer summers (some zone-5 species are starting to thrive in Vermont). Drainage sized for heavier storm events than historical norms. Hardscape that handles increased freeze-thaw cycles. The garden you design today should be designed for 2050’s climate.