I used to think planting a few trees in my yard was enough, but my city's new program changed my mind

My town started a program last year that gives you a free native tree if you also sign up to remove 100 square feet of lawn. I did it just to get the free maple. After a full season, the area with the native plants and new tree needed zero watering and attracted way more bees and birds than my old grass ever did. The patch of grass I kept needed sprinklers running twice a week all summer. Seeing the water bill drop by about $30 a month and the wildlife show up made it clear. Replacing lawn with native plants is a much bigger win than just adding a single tree to a green desert. Has anyone else tried a lawn conversion program and seen results this fast?

2 comments

2 Comments

finley_craig532d ago

My neighbor in Springfield tried a similar program and had the opposite problem. The native plants they gave her spread into her flower beds and took over within two months. I mean, she spent more time pulling those "low maintenance" plants than she ever did mowing. My own yard is small and I like having a clean patch of grass for my dog to play on. Maybe it's just me but I don't see the point in trading one chore for a different, messier one.

christophers271d ago

Honestly I felt the same way until I saw how much less water my friend's native yard needs. It's not for everyone but it does save money.