Zach Hendrix - CTO, Entrepreneur & Co-Founder at GreenPal | GreenPal
Creating an eco-friendly lawn is both cost-effective and beneficial for the environment, according to recent guidance on sustainable landscaping. By following six steps, homeowners can transform their lawns into eco-friendly spaces that require less maintenance and resources.
The first step is to reduce the size of the lawn. Options include replacing sections with patios, walkways, or low-maintenance perennial gardens. This approach helps decrease mowing and watering costs.
Next, consider using certified wood for any new fences or decks. Certified wood carries Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approval, ensuring it is chemical-free and harvested sustainably.
Reusing old materials can also enhance a landscape design. Items like old barrels can serve as flower pots, demonstrating that "one man’s trash is another man’s treasure."
Planting native species is another recommendation. Native plants are adapted to local climates, making them easier to maintain. They also conserve water when drought-resistant varieties are chosen. "You will save a lot of money on water and you will even save a lot of time on maintenance," the guidance notes.
Strategically planting trees can contribute to energy savings at home. Large trees placed outside south-facing windows provide shade in summer, reducing cooling costs. In colder regions, avoiding tree placement that blocks sunlight helps keep homes warmer in winter.
For those seeking alternatives to traditional grass lawns due to high maintenance costs and environmental impact, synthetic turf or xeriscaping offer solutions. Xeriscaping involves landscaping designed for minimal water use.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), maintaining a lawn over 20 years costs seven times more than maintaining native prairie landscapes.
An eco-friendly lawn offers numerous benefits: reducing chemical use minimizes pollution; drought-resistant plants conserve water; local wildlife habitats are supported; air quality improves through pollutant capture; maintenance costs decrease; soil health improves; and property value increases with well-maintained lawns.
When asked about the best eco-friendly options for lawns and weed control methods, recommendations include using native grasses or groundcovers like clover for low-maintenance alternatives and manual removal or natural substances like vinegar solutions for weed control.
The move towards eco-friendly lawns requires ongoing commitment rather than being a one-time effort. Starting small by implementing one or two changes can lead homeowners toward creating greener environments.
GreenPal offers professional assistance for those unsure about starting their journey towards an eco-friendly lawn transformation.