Landscaping Lessons From the Dust Bowl Era

Farmers, landscapers and agricultural experts learned a lot from the Dust Bowl era – lessons that are still important today. That was the period in the 1930s when the southern plains of the United States experienced years of severe drought and ensuing dust storms. But the role that land management played in those dust storms may not be as familiar to people who want to redesign their gardens or improve their landscapes today.

Any decent landscaping service will be familiar with these lessons, many of which still inform how professionals plant, manage and irrigate land. Here’s what to know about this long-gone era and how it may apply to your next landscaping project.

How Poor Land Management Contributed to the Dust Bowl Era

Before the drought began, numerous historic events had led to an influx of inexperienced farmers across the Great Plains. What followed was an intensive cultivation of lands that couldn’t be reached by irrigation. In the years leading up to the Dust Bowl, farmers plowed up millions of acres of native grassland without taking into account proper soil conservation and irrigation techniques.

All of this can still serve as a reminder of how devastating the effects of unintentional poor land management can be. When a severe drought hit, the lack of soil conservation caused widespread crop failure and dust storms that had catastrophic consequences on people, animals, and plants alike.

The Importance of Soil Conservation

The most important lesson to take away from the Dust Bowl era is that soil conservation is essential for successful landscaping. And it’s a lesson that should be familiar to any landscaper you’re thinking about hiring. Without proper land conservation and management, it’s much more difficult to have a healthy, flourishing landscape. By understanding how to approach landscaping design and maintenance, modern landscapers can avoid the mistakes of less educated and experienced services.

Planting Vegetation Native to the Midwest as an Erosion Prevention Technique

Another crucial lesson from this time period is that planting suitable plants and vegetation is essential for successful landscaping in different climate zones. During the Dust Bowl era, many folks planted crops such as wheat and corn which were not suited to dry climates with little rainfall – unaware of the negative results that would follow. When erosion occurs, the soil, rock, or dissolved material that holds land together is being removed by the elements and transported somewhere else. This can be a natural phenomenon that happens so gradually you may not notice until the damage has already been done.

That’s why the planting lessons from the Dust Bowl era are still so relevant today. By choosing native plants and vegetation that are better suited for different climates and regions, modern Midwestern landscapers can ensure they don’t make similar mistakes when designing gardens and yards. You should expect:

• Best practices for soil conservation
• Irrigation techniques that match your needs
• Help choosing suitable plants for the climate or region

Work with a professional service to select the best plants and flowers for your property and maintain the integrity of your land. That way you can avoid repeating past mistakes while ensuring your landscape remains healthy year round.

Don’t Overlook Benefits of Proper Irrigation

Another key lesson from this time period is the importance of proper irrigation techniques. During the Dust Bowl, many farmers relied solely on rainfall for their crops – which was especially difficult during times of drought. With modern advancements in technology, it’s now easier than ever for landscapers to irrigate lawns because they don’t have to rely solely on rainwater.

But there are many different approaches to proper irrigation. By using properly-designed irrigation systems, landscapers can ensure any type of land stays healthy, even during periods of low rainfall or drought conditions.

Talk to Design Experts at a Full-Service, Boutique Landscaping Company

A full-service land management company will be equipped to handle all of your landscaping solutions. Talk to a specialist at Sheldon Landscape for more on how we can help you keep your landscapes looking beautiful no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. We work with clients to design and select the strategies that best match their property and unique aesthetics. That may include:

• Weekly lawn care
• Routine land maintenance
• Garden design consultation and implementation
• Ongoing land management

Do you want your property to be as healthy and vibrant as possible? Contact Sheldon Landscape to get the landscape of your dreams. Our team will work together to ensure your outdoor space gets just what it needs. Visit us online or call us today to get started!