creating a more sustainable backyard

What are some ways that we can design and plant our yards to help create a more sustainable landscape?

Plant a tree: A tree helps offset our carbon footprint creating one of the most significant ways we can make our yards more sustainable.. The summer shade helps reduce our cooling costs; and the protection from winter winds can help reduce our heating costs. Native trees can add food source and habitat for birds, butterflies, and indigenous animals. For a few suggested native tree species, feel free to see other blogs.

Reduce the area of lawn: Lawns are not environmentally beneficial because they require watering; require occasional use of herbicides and pesticides; consist of non-native species that reduce areas of native plants; and can increase storm run-off. Converting lawn to planting beds is not only a more sustainable use of the land but also adds beauty and seasonal interest to your yard! If your yard backs up to wooded areas, add curving planting beds at the edges of the woods with layered drifts or masses of low plants.

Add more native plants and pollinators: As you reduce lawn and add planting bed areas, you could install native plants and, in sunny areas, perennials and shrubs that attract pollinators.

Plant fruit trees: Apple or peach trees can provide food sources in our region. Select pest-resistant dwarf trees. For example, Frost Freestone Peach / Prunus persica 'Frost' is a cold - hardy tree due to its later blooming time, and it is disease/ pest resistant. Several varieties of apple trees with some disease and pest resistance include Liberty, Enterprise, Freedom, and Redfree. All of these varieties require companion pollinator of Malus genus with a different variety apple or crabapple. Select pollinator with same blooming time such as Freedom and Redfree (and ideally different fruiting time to spread out harvest).

Create a vegetable garden: A vegetable garden in a sunny location in your yard can provide an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy gardening and harvesting fresh produce.