Our yards are our outdoor homes: fun, beautiful, great spaces for relaxing. But in taking care of them, we often use water inefficiently, produce a lot of yard waste, and overuse chemicals that are bad for the health of our families and the environment. The good news is, by making some simple changes in how we care for our yards we can:

• Save money on water, waste disposal and chemicals
• Save time – working with nature is easier, in the long run
• Protect our families’ health by reducing contact with chemicals
• Protect the environment

Healthy Yard Tips:

• Use compost and mulch. Your garden will be healthier and it will reduce your water bills and yard work.
• Use yard chemicals sparingly, if at all. Read labels carefully to avoid overuse of chemicals.
• Be careful when and where you use yard chemicals. Avoid applying near driveways and sidewalks and never use them when rain is predicted.
• Practice natural lawn care. Leave grass clippings on the lawn for fertilizer and use compost or nontoxic yard care products.
• Landscape with native plants. Use plants that require less watering, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Retain trees and/or plant new trees in your yard. Trees help slow runoff, reduce flooding, and improve property value.