Improving your yard by making it more eco-friendly is healthier for your family, friends, and pets. You will be able to enjoy outdoor entertainment more if you add these changes to your yard. Install solar lights, choose native plants, opt for natural materials, use natural pest control, and collect rainwater to make your outdoor environment safe.
Install Solar Lights
Installing solar light outdoors at home is an eco-friendly way to light the front door, pathways, patios, and decks. Solar light uses energy from the sun and does not require electrical wiring. In early 2019, there were over 2 million solar installations in the United States. They should be placed in a sunny spot so they can charge. Many have solar panels fused into the lamps and come with mounting equipment. The lights will save you money on electricity.
Outdoor lights allow you to entertain at night and provide safety from potential threats. Lights keep trespassers away at night. Many solar lights are designed for all seasons so they can be left out all year long. They are safe and easier to install than electric lights.
Choose Native Plants From Your Regions
When you plant a garden, trees, or shrubs, look for plants that grow naturally in your region. These plants grow well in the soil and weather conditions that you have. These plants support the ecosystem and require less maintenance than other species. They keep insects and wildlife in check because they are compatible with the environment. They adapt better to dry conditions, humidity, and heat.
Your local garden center will carry native plants or be able to tell you where to find them. They will be able to help you find the right trees, flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs. Some regions have native plant societies that can give you information on where to find native plants and colleges with horticultural programs. Native plants are eco-friendly to use in your backyard at home.
Opt For Natural Materials
Outdoors, natural materials in the yard or garden are better for your health. Stone walls and pathways in the garden are decorative and natural materials. Stones can be used for patios and come in varying sizes and shapes. Slate is a common material used in garden and patio floors. It was formed 350 million years ago and is still used. A natural barbecue built from stone or brick that uses wood as a natural resource is an environmentally friendly way to cook outdoors. Wood, teak, or bamboo furniture for the patio or deck are other natural materials you can use to make your home more eco-friendly.
Use Natural Pest Control
Natural pest control involves weeding the garden, using safer products to control weeds and insects. Insecticidal soaps can kill or save plants from soft-bodied insects by drying them out so they die. It must come in direct contact with insects to work effectively. These soaps must be diluted with water and some may cause harm to plant leaves. Neem oil controls beetles by making them grow more slowly and not lay eggs. You may still have to remove insects and eggs from plants. Diatomaceous earth can act as a natural insecticide by drying out insects, thus killing them. It is sold in garden stores and can be applied to the earth around plants.
Some gardeners use crop rotation, pruning, nets, and traps to control pests. Mulching controls weeds and removing weeds from the ground before they grow too thick are other natural pest control methods to use at home.
Collect Rainwater
Collecting water in a rain barrel is a way to prevent erosion and runoff and have water to use to water plants and clean with. It is relatively clean and environmentally responsible for the outdoors. Large gardens can be watered without using the water indoors. It can be used to wash cars and other outdoor equipment and furniture. Most natural disasters involve some type of flooding and collecting rainwater can help prevent flooding. The water does not go into the ground near your home. It can be used indoors for watering plants, washing pets, washing the floors, and other cleaning tasks.
These simple changes will make your yard more eco-friendly and help you grow a garden that is easier to sustain. Natural materials are well made and good for the environment. Collected rainwater will save you on your water bill.
