 Transforming your yard into an eco-friendly oasis is surprisingly simple, and may even get you a little cash. Many cities offer tax incentives for greening your yard. An eco-friendly yard will save water and time, since they need less water to thrive and you’ll spend less time maintaining it.
Perhaps one of the simplest and easiest ways to make your yard more eco-friendly is to plant native plants, plants that naturally thrive without a lot of work. They have evolved to combat local pests and weather challenges. Native plants attract beneficial insects and local wildlife and are also less likely to take over your yard, as they have evolved to live comfortably in your environment.
Another way to make your yard more eco-friendly is to plant deciduous trees. They create shade around your home, reducing your energy needs and naturally keep your home and yard cooler. Deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall, allowing sunlight to naturally heat your home in the winter. By orienting these deciduous trees to the east and west, you’ll get the greatest benefits in both summer and winter.
If you live in a hot, dry climate, consider xeriscaping as a means to make your yard incredibly eco-friendly. Xeriscaping can also be implemented in any region of the country, because the main idea behind xeriscaping is to use efficient irrigation systems, low-water use plants, reducing turn grass, and creating a water-wise garden design. Xeriscaped yards that dot neighborhoods use non-plant matter to fill most of the yard space, such as stones, tiles, or bark chips. Xeriscaping is very much a creative process and allows you to transform your yard in any way you can imagine.
To make your yard even more eco-friendly, use efficient, non-polluting lawn mowers and other such equipment. Modern reel mowers are a great way to mow your lawn without the need for fossil fuels. They are easy to use, often cheaper than gas mowers, and completely eliminate the carbon footprint of a gas mower.
Irrigate and water your new eco-friendly yard with rainwater. A few barrels strategically placed can store rainwater that can be used to water your yard, and they can easily be incorporated into the aesthetic appeal of your xeriscaped yard. As you might have guessed, because plants are naturally watered when it rains, this water is completely safe to use and will cut down on your water needs. Make sure to put your barrels on a platform to boost water pressure and cut down on pesky problems underneath the barrel. Keep a lid on it, too, to prevent mosquito infestations and clogs from leaves and other debris.
Composting is a great addition to any eco-friendly yard. Any organic waste product created in your home, such as fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, bread, and grass clippings, can be thrown into a compost pile. Or, you can buy composting equipment to keep the decaying matter in a closed container and away from curious critters, like raccoons. The compost can then offer an invaluable source of organic nutrients to your garden soil. Compost improves soil retention and reduces your carbon footprint by keeping those items out of landfills. Be careful though, if you plan on using your compost for your garden, such as food plants, keep the dog waste out.
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