Green Your Yard

Nature is ready to be one of our best allies in fighting climate change. And as climate change and human development continue to stress nature, you can help support biodiversity and the survival of pollinators, birds, wildlife – and people – through choices you make in your yard.

Plant a Tree. Trees cool the atmosphere through transpiration, store carbon (did you know that a mature tree can store up to 8 tons of carbon?), and provide shade for heat relief. So if you have trees on your property, please care for them like the jewels that they are. And if you have room for a tree or two, please consider planting a native species. In fact, if your front yard is the right fit for a tree, the Town of Brookline will plant one for you – for free! – through their Front Yard Tree Program.

Switch to Native Plants. Landscaping with native plants helps fight climate change because they require less water and fertilizers. They also provide habitat to support biodiversity, which is important for a healthy ecosystem. Grow Native Massachusetts contains a wealth of information and resources to help you make and implement a plan to convert your yard to native plants. And if you don’t have a yard but have a balcony, you can still host native plants in pots.

Kill Your Lawn. Yes, kill your lawn. Lawn maintenance, which typically uses a lot of water and chemical treatments, is costly to the environment, especially if you’re mowing with a gas-powered lawn mower. Your lawn is also a non-native monoculture that is minimally beneficial to insects, birds and other wildlife. Free yourself from maintenance and make your yard a haven for life by converting your lawn to native plantings.

Leave Your Leaves. Leaves provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, and are also a natural source of nutrients for your soil. Instead of clearing every last leaf like your life depends on it (and annoying your neighbors if you’re using a leaf blower to do it), leave some leaves behind. Rake leaves into plant beds where they can serve as a natural mulch or spread leaves in garden pathways.

Go Organic. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers contribute to climate change and create health risks, so consider going organic and letting Mother Nature do the job instead.

Minimize Impermeable Surfaces. Impermeable surfaces exacerbate the impact of climate change by storing heat and contributing to flooding, which is prompting a “de-paving” movement to remove asphalt and concrete from private property. Get inspired by Sommerville’s efforts and think twice before putting down new asphalt or concrete.