 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 eco-friendly yards 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 are native to your region naturally thrive without a lot of work. They have evolved to combat local pests and weather challenges. Native plants also attract beneficial insects and local wildlife. Native plants are also less likely to take over your yard, as they have evolved to live comfortably in the environment of your backyard. Some state governments, particularly in the Southwest, where water isn’t abundant, offer small tax incentives for planting native species.
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, reduce turn grass, and create 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 that 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. Some state governments offer tax incentives, up to 25% of the cost, for eco-friendly mowers.
Composting is a great addition to any eco-friendly yard. Any organic waste product created in your home, such as fruit and vegetable peels, egg shells, 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 (i.e., food plants), keep the dog waste out.
Reference your state government’s website to see if it offers any tax incentives for making your yard more eco-friendly. Several states offer a “Ditch Your Strip” program, offering a tax credit of up to $1,000 for removing the grass on your parking strip (the grass closest to the road) and replacing it with xeriscaping or low-water need plants.
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