What better place to go green than in your landscape? An eco-friendly landscape design is often easier to care for as well as good for the environment. When it comes to planning such a landscape, the options may at first seem overwhelming. The following tips can show you a few easy ways to to green up your yard.

Tip #1: Choose native plants

Skip the plant catalogs from far away and visit a local nursery that offers native plants. These plants will be better suited to your natural soil, moisture, and temperature conditions as well as more resistant to the pests and diseases that are common in your area. This means the plants will grow well with minimal watering or fertilization, and they will be less likely to need chemical sprays to control problems. All of these are wins for both the environment and for your wallet.

Tip #2: Look at grass alternatives

If you live in an area with enough moisture that irrigation is rarely needed, then enjoy your lawn. Otherwise, you may want to consider some alternatives so you can save water. One option is to plant a native prairie grass for your area, if there is a perennial option. These grasses tend to go brown in summer, but they are green in spring, fall, and sometimes winter. Alternatives to grass are also available and may grow well in your area with little water. These may be sorrel or wildflower lawn mixes. Less watering and less mowing can be a nice side effect of ditching the lawn.

Tip #3: Create sanctuary

Providing a sanctuary for native birds, beneficial insects, and animals is also an eco-friendly decision. Add a birdbath and feeder for the birds that migrate through your area, for example. Or plant for native or migrating insects, such as by adding some milkweed to your garden for the monarchs that come through. Bees are endangered everywhere, so providing plenty of flowers can help keep your local bee population fed and healthy.

Tip #4: Go solar

Not all green landscaping tips have to do with your plant choices. Your energy-usage choices outdoors also matter. Consider switching to solar, at least in the yard. Solar-operated landscape lights are durable and long lasting. There are even versions with small battery cells that can store a charge so the lights even work in cloudy weather. You can also find solar-powered fountain pumps, so even your water features can run on green energy.

For more help, talk to a landscaper such as Campbell's Nurseries & Garden Centers Inc.

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