With the new year and new decade upon us, many homeowners are taking the time to reflect on their lifestyles and make some positive changes - both for themselves and for the environment.
There's been much talk of climate change and humanity's impact on the environment in recent years (thanks in no small part to young activists like Greta Thunberg) so it should come as no surprise that more and more people are choosing to go green. Lately, we're seeing loads solar panels on roofs, electric cars on the road, and smart meters being used to measure energy usage - in all these ways and more besides, we're paying increasingly close attention to how our actions affect the world around us.
But did you know that the way you treat your lawn can also have an impact on the environment! No? Well, it can. Here are five tips that you can follow for a more eco-friendly lawn:
- Rainwater Irrigation – The next time you water your lawn, consider the ways in which you can conserve water. Now, we’re not talking about stopping watering your lawn completely or reducing the amount of time you spend watering your lawn, but maybe using rainwater instead. Since the UK has more than enough rainfall throughout the year, it’s more than likely that your lawn gets its fair share of watering, but throughout the summer when we do go through weeks (and sometimes months) of dry spells, it can be extremely useful to use rainwater to water your lawn rather than your property’s water system. You can gather rainwater and store it in drums for future use. All that is required is to catch the water as it flows out of your gutter downspouts and use an electric pump to create enough water pressure to power your very own irrigation system!
- Install a no-mow lawn – Mowing the lawn can sometimes be an arduous and time-consuming task, especially if the weather isn’t favourable. In this case, the last place you want to be is outside, with grass flying all over the place. So, how can you avoid this problem? Install a no-mow lawn! There are several grassalternatives that you can install that require no mowing at all, such as astroturf. Not only are you avoiding the actual task of mowing, you are also reducing the amount of energy that you use. Another great way that you can do this is by hardscaping. Instead of having grass, why not build a desert or rock scene? Hardscaping requires no maintenance at all, and your energy usage will decrease dramatically.
- Use eco-friendly lawn care equipment – To reduce their impact on the environment, many people choose to ditch their cars and walk (or maybe cycle). The same can be done with your lawn care equipment! You know that big, gas-guzzling lawn mower that you have stored away in the shed? Well, why not replace it with an electric one? You can find both corded and cordless lawn equipment at any home department retailer. Despite not performing as well as gas-powered tools, battery-powered tools are a great option due to their portability, and this is where you’ll make the most difference in your quest to create an eco-friendly lawn.
- Using biopesticides – Historically, insecticides have been used as a form of lawn insect control. However, research has shown that these have an adverse effect on the animals that come into contact with them e.g. causing reproductive ailments in birds such as thinner eggshells. An example of manmade chemical improving the quality of life for humans at the expense of the wider environment. A fantastic alternative that can be used are biopesticides, a chemical that is growing in popularity due to its controlling of insects rather than killing. Here, only targeted insects are affected with no adverse effects on other animals.
- Properly disposing of lawn waste – Disposing of garden waste correctly is another great way that you can help the environment with an eco-friendly lawn. Mulch and compost are garden wastes that have been organically broken down and recycled by Mother Nature, but you need to lend a helping hand in the process. The first and easiest thing that you can do is to mulch whilst you mow. This can be done by using a mulching blade on your mower. The second way you can help is by bagging clippings for disposal and the third is by composting. Composting recycles organic materials to be spread back into the earth for nutritional purposes.
And there you have it! Five great ways to make your lawn more eco-friendly. If you have any other queries or your lawn needs some professional care, please get in touch with the Lawn and Weed Expert team today.
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