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Is your lawn draining your time and money?
Creating an eco-friendly lawn can actually be simpler and less expensive than traditional methods.
Plus, you'll be doing your part for the environment.
Here are 6 steps for building an Eco-friendly lawn.
Let's dive right into step number one.
Step One- Shrink Your Lawn
One of the easiest things you can do is to reduce the size of your lawn.
This will help you with reducing the cost of mowing and of course watering the lawn!
There are a few ways to make your lawn smaller:
Replace part of your lawn with a patio
Add a low-impact walkway
Add a low-maintenance perennial garden
Step Two- Use Certified Wood
It’s simple, when you are looking to build a fence or a deck in your yard. Give some thought to buying certified wood.
Certified wood is wood that has the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approval. This means that the wood was not treated with chemicals and that it was harvested in an Eco-friendly way.
Using this type of wood in your landscaping projects helps support sustainable wood production.
Step Three- Reuse Old Material
Here is one step that anyone can do! You can reuse a lot of material in your yard for improving your landscape design.
For example, old barrels make great flower pots, but that is just the beginning.
Always keep your eyes peeled for material on the roadside.
Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Step Four- Use Native Plants
Always look for plants that are native to where you live.
Get this, native plants in particular are easier to maintain. This is because they are adapted to the area you live in.
Additionally, if you choose plants that are drought-resistant. You will save a lot of money on water and you will even save a lot of time on maintenance. Of course, you can also look into collecting rainwater as well.
You can find ornamental grasses, tulips, marigolds and more. These easy to maintain plants will really help you build an Eco-friendly lawn.
Bonus Tip! Clover is a great way to help a lawn look better. Best of all, it grows easily and is resistant to insects. It also chokes out weeds, which means there will be no need to use any sort of pesticides or weed killers.
Step Five- Use Trees to Save Energy
Get this, you can save energy in your home by placing trees strategically in the lawn.
For example, if you put a large tree outside the southside of the house. You can save money on your cooling bill as your house will be in the shade in the summer.
Alternatively, if you live in the north where it is cold, make sure there are no large trees which block the light of the sun. This can help keep your home warm in the winter.
Step Six- Consider Lawn Alternatives
Look, grass looks wonderful in the yard, but it costs a lot to maintain.
There is a high financial cost, and a high cost on the environment to maintaining a traditional lawn.
Think about it. There is so much to maintain the lawn:
Edging
Fertilizing
Aeration and more!
The biggest reason lawns are harmful for the environment is that you have to mow the lawn every week. This puts carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Of course there are now many electric mowers as well.
To save costs, you could look into adding synthetic turf in your yard instead of grass.
On the other hand, if you want something more natural, look into xeriscaping. Xeriscapes cost a bit to install, but when done right they require almost no-maintenance.
Why should you create an Eco-friendly lawn?
You can use your lawn to make the environment a healthier place!
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the cost of lawn maintenance over 20 years of a lawn’s lifespan is seven times the cost of maintenance of native prairie.
There are several things that can be done to create an Eco-friendly lawn. Some of which don’t actually cost that much.
In fact, as with many Eco-friendly practices, you can actually save money.
Key benefits of creating an eco-friendly lawn:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduces environmental impact | Minimizes use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, reducing pollution and soil degradation. |
| Conserves water | Uses drought-resistant plants and grasses that require less water. |
| Supports local wildlife | Provides habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and wildlife, promoting biodiversity. |
| Improves air quality | Helps capture pollutants and produces oxygen through natural processes. |
| Lowers maintenance costs | Requires less mowing, fertilizing, and watering, saving time and money. |
| Enhances soil health | Improves soil structure and fertility, reducing erosion. |
| Increases property value | Boosts aesthetic and market value of property with a well-maintained eco-friendly lawn. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best eco-friendly lawn?
Instead of a traditional lawn, consider these eco-friendly alternatives:
- Native grasses: These require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than traditional turf.
- Groundcovers: Options like clover, creeping thyme, or moss offer low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly alternatives.
- Drought-Resistant Varieties: Choose grass types like Buffalo grass or Bermuda grass that are drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- No-Mow Grass: Opt for low-growing, slow-growing grass varieties that require less mowing, reducing fuel consumption from lawn mowers.
What is the most eco-friendly way to cut grass?
Most eco-friendly way to cut grass:
- Reel mower: Manually powered, no emissions.
- Electric mower: Cleaner energy source than gas.
What is the most environmentally friendly weed killer?
The most environmentally friendly weed killers include vinegar-based solutions and corn gluten meal, which are both natural and non-toxic options.
Here's a breakdown:
- Manual Removal: Ideal for small areas.
- Boiling Water: Effective on young weeds.
- Vinegar Solutions: Use with caution, as they can harm surrounding plants.
- Corn Gluten Meal: Acts as a pre-emergent herbicide, preventing weed seeds from sprouting.
The Bottom Line on Eco-Friendly Lawn Care
An eco-friendly lawn isn't a one-time fix. It's a commitment to being a responsible steward of the environment.
Are you ready to take the challenge?
Start small with one or two of the steps we talked about, and gradually add more. Every action you take adds up, and together, we can create a greener future.
Whether you take steps to save water in your lawn, or to find a lawn alternative. You can easily save money and the environment from your own home!
If you aren’t sure where to get started with installing your Eco-friendly lawn, or you just need help getting your lawn in order. Reach out to the lawn care pros at GreenPal.
We have all of the best lawn care professionals near you!
