Award-winning NYC designer calls for smarter, sustainable, and sensory-rich landscaping to meet long-term environmental and lifestyle needs
NYACK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / In a recent spotlight feature, Christian Kolarz, founder of C.KOLARZ DESIGN, shared his unique design philosophy and is now using the opportunity to raise awareness about the long-term value of low-maintenance, sustainable, and sensory-rich landscaping-not just for aesthetics, but for the environment, community wellbeing, and everyday livability.
"Most people think of landscaping as decoration," said Kolarz. "But done right, it's a solution to bigger problems-wasted water, limited space, seasonal blandness, and even stress."
After over 25 years in the industry, Kolarz has seen the impact of short-sighted design choices-from overplanted trees that outgrow small spaces to thirsty lawns that demand constant irrigation. His mission is now focused on education: helping homeowners, developers, and local planners understand that smart outdoor design can be both beautiful and sustainable.
Why It Matters: The Case for Smarter Landscaping
Lawn care alone consumes 9 billion gallons of water per day in the U.S., according to the EPA.
Gas-powered lawn equipment accounts for 5% of U.S. air pollution, per California Air Resources Board.
Outdoor environments significantly affect mental health: a Yale study found time in natural, sensory-rich landscapes improves mood, focus, and sleep.
"Our yards are extensions of our homes," Kolarz explained. "So why aren't we designing them to serve us year-round, with less cost and more care for the planet?"
His approach, which he describes as "Four Seasons & Five Senses," incorporates color, scent, sound, and texture throughout the year. Dwarf varietals, trample-resistant ground cover, and rainwater-smart layouts reduce upkeep and resource strain.
Designing for Climate, Comfort, and Connection
"People are waking up to the fact that a good garden isn't about status, it's about function," Kolarz said. "If your yard stresses you out because it's high maintenance or empty nine months of the year, that's a design failure."
His award-winning firm, C.KOLARZ DESIGN, was recently named Best Full-Service Landscape Design Firm NYC for 2025. But Kolarz stresses that you don't need an award-winning team to make better choices.
"Even planting a native shrub instead of a thirsty lawn, or choosing curved paths instead of concrete grids, makes a difference," he noted.
He's also advocating for more natural elements in dense urban spaces, especially in small backyards, terraces, and shared gardens. "You can create a ‘boundless oasis' in 200 square feet if you know how to use the space," he said.
Call to Action: What You Can Do Now
Kolarz is encouraging homeowners, renters, designers, and city planners to ask better questions about their outdoor spaces. His advice:
Rethink straight lines: "Use curves to guide exploration and make the space feel larger."
Reduce lawns, add layers: Swap high-maintenance turf for layered textures with native plants.
Design with time in mind: "Ask how your space will look not just next month, but in 10 years."
Involve your senses: Add herbs for scent, wind chimes for sound, and flowers for touch and color.
Plan for all four seasons: "Even winter can be beautiful if you design for it."
"Anyone can start small," Kolarz said. "Landscaping is not about being fancy. It's about being thoughtful."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About C.KOLARZ DESIGN
Founded in 2014 by Christian Kolarz, C.KOLARZ DESIGN is a boutique full-service landscape design firm serving the New York City metro area and surrounding suburbs. Known for its curvilinear style and sustainable, low-maintenance design, the firm has received industry praise and was named Best Full-Service Landscape Design Firm NYC in 2025. Christian Kolarz brings over 25 years of hands-on design experience to every project.
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SOURCE: Christian Kolarz
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