From major symptoms of climate change, like wildfires and record-breaking temperatures, to smaller consequences of environmental damage, like the slow-motion encroachment of invasive plant and animal species, we have all learned that taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. This means that we need to consider our own, personal choices, and how we can make small, day-to-day decisions that will accumulate to a significant impact on the planet. We make these decisions by turning the water off when we brush our teeth, choosing fuel-efficient transportation choices, opting for purchases with less packaging, and replacing our lightbulbs with energy-conscious models. There are important choices we can make in our routine yard and tree care that can also have an impact on our environment, and we can make these choices without sacrificing results. These small changes, made regularly, can be a significant part of the way that we have a positive effect on our yards, our communities, our cities, and our world.
Plant Native Species
Native plant species are those that would normally and naturally grow in the area where we live. These are typically the tree and plant species you see in the woodlands and/or grasslands around where you live. These are local flora varieties, which have evolved to thrive in the conditions that exist in our area. For each part of the world, the list of native plant species will vary – you can ask your local tree experts to advise you on choosing native varieties of plants for your area. This is important for two major reasons. First, since these species have specifically evolved to grow happily in your local area, they will usually find the natural weather conditions of your region optimal, reducing the need for extra watering or sun protection as they grow. Secondly, non-native species can be invasive, meaning that they can spread wildly in a new area, pushing out native species and harming the ecological balance.
Water Properly (and Use Rainwater If You Can)
This very much goes together with the previous point – native plant species often don’t require additional watering, because they’ve evolved to thrive in the conditions that naturally occur in your area. Whether or not you’re dealing with native species, be sure not to over water your trees, and when you do need to water them, make sure you water them properly – slowly and deeply, so that the water is absorbed in the area around the tree, and very little of it runs off to surrounding drains without soaking in. If you have the means and the ability to store it, capturing rainwater, and using this water to hydrate your trees and plants, is the most environmentally friendly choice, as it does not use up potable water on your trees (which don’t mind “drinking” repurposed rainwater).
Reuse Lawn Clippings as Mulch
In some circumstances, your local tree service might recommend a specific chemical balance in your mulch or fertilizer for the benefit of your trees. In most cases, though, mulch primarily serves to protect the root system of your trees and slow-release some nutrients as the mulch breaks down. In this most common case, using lawn trimmings (freshly cut grass or fallen leaves) as mulch can be a cost-effective option that provides a healthy nutrient balance without any chemicals or any carbon emissions created by the transportation of materials.
Use Natural Pest Control*
Especially as a preventative, there are often natural or low-chemical options for pest control. Once problems escalate, these natural, gentler options sometimes won’t work, so nipping problems in the bud is essential for keeping harsh chemicals out of your tree care whenever possible. The * is added here because if your local arborist specifically advises you to use a chemical-based solution to a pest problem, please use it. If there’s a particular infestation or concern, handling it directly and effectively is often the best solution.
Plant More Trees
One of the very best things any of us can do for the planet is to plant more trees! So, if your yard is empty of trees, or if you have a few, but are thinking of adding more – go for it! The only consideration here is that the trees should be a good choice for your local eco-system, and they shouldn’t be planted too close to other trees (ask a tree service professional for advice and help if you aren’t sure what to plant or where to plant it).
