Did you know that commercial and residential gardening equipment accounts for seven percent of the ozone forming pollutants from all mobile sources, including automobiles? Lawn care appliances are real polluters. In fact, the EPA reached an agreement with lawnmower engine manufacturers which provides that by the year 2005, lawnmower engines will be 40% cleaner than present engines.

Lawnmowers will likely cost more money to purchase and more money to operate once new engines are produced under this agreement. Perhaps, this will not be a real problem for homeowners. But how about commercial property owners with many acres of lawn that must be cut and trimmed and weed wacked? These properties already cost a substantial amount to keep neatly manicured.

A perfect lawn, with that golf course look, fits the traditional corporate image. Fortunately for all us, that image is slowly changing. A significant developing trend is to replace that classic look with natural landscaping, a process called "naturescaping." Planners and environmentalists are able to create a natural, native habitat, which replaces the classic manicured look. Back to nature means low maintenance -- naturescapes take care of themselves.

Naturescaping will be more carefully considered as the cost of maintaining the classic look continues to escalate. Clearly, increased regulation, which will drive up the costs of purchasing, maintaining and operating commercial lawn care equipment, will weigh into this decision-making process. Since dollars and cents are truly at issue, individuals and companies will want to take a close look at this environmentally friendly alternative.

How do you create a naturescape? In a way it seems easy. If it is a naturescape, you don't have to do anything -- right? Wrong.

A naturescape must be developed. Once the natural habitat takes root, then nature takes care of itself. But you must first get to that point. Here are some observations:

1. Professional assistance is available and should be consulted. In general, a naturescape must include safe shelters for wildlife. Shelters take many forms, and allow wildlife to rest, escape, retreat and raise their young. Examples include thickets, hedges, logs and long grass.
2. Food sources are also required for a natural habitat. Vegetation that produces food in the form of seeds, nectar, berries and insects should be considered. Supplemental bird feeders may also be useful.
3. Clean fresh water is a must. Certain amphibians and insects require water to complete their life cycles. Running water is encouraged. Birdbaths, ponds, and shallow dishes may do.
4. Planning the naturescape requires mapping and an identification of what is already on the premises. Soil texture, slopes, and sun exposure should be mapped. Planning should consider seasonal changes. It may take months or years for a habitat to develop into a completely self-sustaining environment.

Some States have specialists who will provide free guidance. The EPA, as well as several local levels of goverment, can also provide help.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.