Lawn care that doesn't dump fertilizers and pesticides into our waterways. More fertilizer is applied to American lawns than on all of agriculture. Other alternatives are to feed turfgrasses with compost, introduce clover, and leave by leaving grass clippings where they fall. Weeds can be adequately controlled without the use of herbicides. Public expectations for perfect, uniform, weedfree and always-green lawns can be changed, with leadership. These kinder, gentler methods of lawn care also save a lot of money.
Less lawn. Lawn has its place and is essential for play areas, but perennials, shrubs and trees are far better for stormwater retention and for wildlife. If even a portion of such high-visibility lawns as the South Lawn could be reduced in size, it could inspire American homeowners and institutional landscapers to reduce lawn size, too.
Water conservation. Far too many public landscapes waste far too much water irrigating their lawns (which could be allowed to go dormant in the summer) and thirsty plants (those bedding annuals in particular). Water-wise landscaping means drought-tolerant plants and smart watering techniques.
Managing stormwater. Rather than directing water directly into stormwater systems, it can be retained on site to replenish groundwater and be cleaned. (A big issue in D.C., where storms dump pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay.)
Choosing pest-resistant plants. No rose garden has to include disease-prone hybrid tea roses when there are no-spray roses available, which are especially lovely when grown with companion perennials that attract beneficial insects. (Photo above from the Morris Arboretum.) Smart plant choices make sustainable landscapes easier and cheaper to maintain.
Recycling yard waste. Incredibly, yard waste is still being dumped into landfills across the country. Instead, grass clippings can be used as lawn fertilizer, fallen leaves can be turned into compost, and pruned branches can be chipped and spread on paths.
Sustaining wildlife. Public landscapes, especially those in cities, need to provide habitat and sustenance for pollinators and other essential wildlife.
Sustaining humans. Landscapes can be designed as places where people can play, gather, and connect with nature.
Saving money. High-maintenance acres of perfect lawn and seasonally replaced bedding annuals are costly to the taxpayer. More sustainable landscape design saves money and teaches homeowners how to make their backyards less expensive and burdensome to maintain and more beautiful.
--Compiled by Susan Harris
*These "basics" reflect the types of inclusive and widely accepted positions taken by the EPA in its GreenScaping program and by the Sustainable Sites Initiative. Other programs and organizations define sustainable landscaping differently, depending on their unique missions.
