Greener Grass, Greener Planet: Simple Eco-Friendly Lawn Tips

Your lawn is already a wonderful space for play, relaxation, and connection with nature. But did you know it can do even more for the environment? With a few eco-friendly practices, you can transform your lawn into a self-reliant, low-maintenance, and environmentally beneficial space.

Root Deep, Grow Strong. Healthy lawns start with deep, resourceful roots. Encourage your lawn’s roots to dig deeper with these simple changes:

• Mow Smart: Cut no more than 30% of the grass blade’s length. Longer grass means longer roots, which can reach deeper for nutrients and water.

• Water deeply and less frequently: This promotes expansive root systems, making your lawn more self-sufficient and better at sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

Recycle Your Clippings. Grasscycling is a win-win for your lawn and the planet! By leaving grass clippings on the ground after mowing, your lawn can naturally recycle nutrients and reduce yard waste. Here’s how to make it work:

• Remove the mower bag and let the clippings fall where they may.

• Cut only one-third of the grass blade at a time, using sharp blades for clean cuts.

• Love leaves? Try “leafcycling” in the fall by mulching leaves back into the soil.

Embrace Biodiversity: Transform Unused Lawn Areas into Thriving Ecosystems. Native plants, flowers, and trees are low-maintenance and bring immense benefits to pollinators and birds. Evaluate your lawn space and incorporate native greenery to add texture, color, and life to your yard.

Choose Natural Over Chemicals: Step Away from Harmful Pesticides and Herbicides. Instead, pull weeds early by hand or use eco-friendly alternatives, such as herbicidal soap. Protect pollinators by removing flowering heads before treating weeds, and reseed bare spots to prevent weeds naturally.

Walk, Watch, and Wonder: Take a step back and enjoy the natural beauty of your lawn. Weekly “weed walks” can help you spot issues early and address them in environmentally conscious ways. Let your lawn’s uniqueness shine while taking pride in its positive impact on the planet.

With these simple, thoughtful changes, your lawn can become a true ally in sustainability. Let’s celebrate your little patch of grass for its role in protecting our environment!