Protecting the environment is a major talking point these days and it’s easy to see why. Roughly 27,000 trees are cut down every day, the bees are in danger of going extinct, and landfills are filled with billions of pounds of trash. While you can’t save the entire environment on your own, there are things you can do to help it. One of those things is maintaining your lawn and gardens.
Mow Your Lawn Responsibly
Finding where to buy Greenworks lawn mowers and choosing one is the first step to mowing your lawn responsibly. Once you have your mower, consider how often you use it. When grass gets too long, it’s easier for weeds and other problematic plants to grow. On the other hand, mowing your grass too short causes it to die and stop being a productive part of your property’s ecosystem. Keep grass 2-3 inches long to ensure you have a beautiful lawn that is beneficial to the environment.
Consider Switching To Turfgrass
If you want to create a healthy environment on your property, consider using turfgrass. Turfgrasses are especially beneficial on steep slopes because they more easily prevent erosion or compacted soil. They also protect the frozen ground during the winter and let water get into the soil more easily. If you use turfgrass, runoff water will move more slowly and won’t carry as much sediment. Additionally, cool-season grasses have roots that remove pollutants from the water in the soil.
Use Bio-Pesticides To Get Rid of Pests
There are plenty of pests that can infiltrate your lawn if you don’t use pesticides, but many pesticides are bad for the environment. Research on man-made pesticides shows they make it harder for birds to reproduce because it makes the eggshells thinner. If you need to use a pesticide on your lawn, use a bio-pesticide instead. Pheromones or microbial pesticides are better for controlling insects while remaining environmentally friendly.
Use Mulch or Compost
Mulch and compost can help to improve the health of your lawn. When you’re ready to mow the grass, add a mulching blade so that you can mulch while you mow. It’s also a good idea to create a compost pile and use it to fertilize your grass or garden. You can create a compost pile from coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels, and even the dead grass that you just mowed.
Harvest Your Rainwater
Man made irrigation is one of the biggest negative impacts on your grass. Running a sprinkler system uses about 9 gallons of water per minute or 530 gallons per hour. Instead of using a sprinkler system to maintain your lawn, harvest your rainwater when it storms. You can store it in drums and use it when you need to water your lawn. However, keep in mind that harvesting rainwater is not legal in all places. Check with your local government to be sure you aren’t breaking the law if you harvest rainwater.
Invest in Plants That Are Beneficial to the Environment
There are many plants that are beneficial to the environment if you add them to your garden. The easiest way to plant for the environment is to grow your own fruits and vegetables. Growing your own food means fewer trips to the grocery store, which saves on fuel and keeps car emissions from making their way into the environment. Growing your own fruits and vegetables also saves you money since you won’t need to buy them at the store.
Growing your own garden isn’t the only way you can add beneficial plants to the environment, though. You can also plant shrubs, plants, and trees that are native to your region. Landscaping with plants, trees, and shrubs not only improves your home’s curb appeal but also reduces the amount of pollution in the air and provides shelter for insects, birds, and other animals.
Maintaining and landscaping your lawn is essential for doing your part to protect the environment. Even small steps are better than none, so pick one of these ideas and get started.
