There’s no surer sign that spring has arrived than the start of the annual landscaping season. Across the country, millions of people are planting flowers, cutting grass and fertilizing their gardens. While someone people say that beautifying the exterior of your home isn’t “green,” nothing could be further from the truth. Here’s a look at some lawn care techniques that are both effective and environmentally-friendly.
1Go Unplugged
The biggest single outdoor chore for most people is cutting grass. But traditional gas-powered mowers are a bad deal for the environment. They’re loud, use lots of fossil fuels, and emit greenhouse gasses into the air. Fortunately, there are nonpolluting alternatives. The simplest of these is to use a good, old-fashioned manual push mower. These were common in countless American neighborhoods back in the 1950s, and new models can still be found today. The turning of the wheels causes the blades to rotate, giving the grass a nice trim while emitting no pollution whatsoever. Another alternative is to use one of the many electric-powered mowers on the market. Just make sure you have a long enough extension cord and be careful not to run over it! Don’t forget there are leaf blowers that run on electricity as well.
2Go Native
All plants require occasional watering, trimming, and fertilizing. Exotic species tend to consume more resources than those from your area, notes JestonGreen.com. So stick with species that are local. They’re already adapted to your climate and require less care to keep healthy. Not only will you be helping the environment, you’ll also be sparing yourself from needless work and worry.
3Give It Some Space
When planning a flower bed or shrub site, consider how large the plants you choose will eventually grow. This source points out that failing to do so can quickly lead to crowded beds in which each form of vegetation has to compete for limited amounts of soil, fertilizer, and water. So plant as sparingly as possible, and give those bushes and shrubs lots of room to grow.
4Trees Control Temps
Air conditioning is one of the great comforts of modern life. Unfortunately, it also consumes large amounts of electrical energy. To reduce your dependence on it, plant deciduous trees around your home. Their leaves will help to shade it in the summertime, reducing both your climate control needs and your utility bills.
5Use Natural Pests
If you have a pest problem remember to keep these pests under control, other bugs are the best answer! For specific types of mites that can kill your plants, ladybugs become the answer as they are their natural predator. Just remember for whatever pest you have, there will be another one that is that pest’s predator.
Just as deciduous trees help keep you cool during summer, evergreens do their part to keep you warm and toasty in the wintertime. Plant them in rows to block the frigid winter wind from buffeting your home. Now only will you be helping the planet, you’ll also be helping yourself by putting more money in your pocket. And who couldn’t use that?