Pesticide use is harmful to humans and pets and is linked to cancer, hormone imbalance and neurological problems. Pesticide applications are bad for soil health and kill good microorganisms along with natural predators of pests. Pesticides also kill the beneficial insects and pollinators as well as insects our birds need to survive. 

Use natural, less harmful methods to take care of problems with insects and diseases in plants. Planting more resilient plants will also help.

Because trees, plants, grasses and other living things soak up carbon and store it in the ground, healthy soil and proper land management practices are an essential part of the climate solution – whether in your own yard, by the farmer who grows your food, or by the stewards who manage our land.

Rather than using toxic chemical fertilizers, lawns and gardens can be nourished with grass clippings and leaves mulched on the lawn, or by sprinkling in compost.

Compost not only gives your lawn and plants nutrients, but it also helps retain moisture, creates better soil structure and it feeds the microorganisms in the soil that help store carbon.

If you have native plants, grasses and groundcovers that are adapted to the local conditions, and mow high, you should not need fertilizers or other amendments.

Another good strategy is to decrease the size of your lawn over time and plant a native garden which will create habitat and sequester more CO2.

Professional landscapers often have limited knowledge of healthy yard practices and offer mow and blow services and chemical treatments to move quickly, keep prices low, and keep yards looking neat and tidy. However, whatever savings are gained from this kind of yard care there is a great cost to the environment, biodiversity, and the climate.