1. Plan for the long-term: Green infrastructure is an investment in the future. Therefore, it is essential to think about the long-term goals and maintenance of the landscape.
2. Identify the desired outcomes: Before designing green infrastructure, consider what outcomes are desired. Identify the ecosystem services that the landscape should provide. For example, is it to reduce flooding, to enhance biodiversity, or to improve air quality?
3. Site analysis: Site analysis is critical to understand the local environment and site-specific issues. Consider factors such as soil quality, local water resources/quality, slope, and solar orientation.
4. Choose the right plants: Choose plants that will thrive in the local environment, are native to the area, and will provide the desired ecosystem services. Consider the plant's water requirements, planting density, and maintenance needs.
5. Incorporate a diversity of vegetation types: Reflection of diverse vegetation types in the design helps to support a more comprehensive range of ecosystem services.
6. Provide appropriate irrigation: Adequate water supply is necessary to maintain lush vegetation. Therefore, incorporating water collection and storage systems is necessary to provide ongoing irrigation to the landscape.
7. Use pervious surfaces: Incorporating pervious surfaces, such as permeable paving, will help to reduce stormwater runoff, increase groundwater recharge, and maintain the health of the local watershed.
8. Collaborate with experienced professionals: Collaborate with experts in the field, including landscape architects and engineers, to ensure the best outcomes for the design.
9. Educate and engage stakeholders: Educating and engaging stakeholders is crucial to creating a successful green infrastructure project. Creating opportunities for the engagement of the public is expected to increase awareness, understanding, and support for green infrastructure.
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