By Caleb Leonard
When we think of lawns, most people envision short, green grass. However, few idealize the ecological expense of maintaining that type of yard. It’s time to rethink traditional lawns and opt for healthier landscapes that protect our coastal ecosystems.
Gas-powered lawn equipment and greedy land developers are creating heat islands, while stormwater runoff threatens our freshwater supply and warms our oceans.
Rain gardens, cisterns, and effective drainage techniques are ways we can protect our coasts. Could your local government be doing more to help? It’s time to rethink the traditional lawn, help the environment, and reclaim our weekends.
Why we need to rethink traditional lawns
Most turfgrasses need over an inch of water each week to look their best. Not to mention all the chemicals they need to reproduce and fend off weeds.
The ecological impacts add up.
Source: Author, Caleb Leonard
Rain garden
If stormwater collects on your property, I suggest planting a rain garden. Rain gardens utilize native plants and permeable surfaces to create oases made for drainage.
To create your own rain garden, plant native plants with deep, fibrous roots in a shallow depression near downspouts or other areas where stormwater collects. Imagine a garden with smooth river stones, tall grasses, and flowering perennials.
Pro tip: Rain gardens should dry out within 24 hours, so avoid digging too deep.
Rain gardens divert water away from storm drains, providing an eco-friendly solution for managing rainwater on your property.
Electric lawn equipment
For larger lawns, xeriscaping can get expensive. Electric lawn equipment is a nice compromise.
Benefits of electric lawn equipment:
- Zero carbon emissions
- Less noise pollution
- No spilled gasoline
- Lighter, maneuverable equipment
- Easier to start
- Less expensive to maintain
Pro tip: Most electric lawn equipment is battery-powered. To get the most out of your battery, store it in a cool, dry place indoors. Extreme temperature fluctuations cause batteries to drain more quickly.
Rethinking Drainage
Poor drainage leads to coastal erosion and sinkholes. Plus, stormwater runoff contaminates local waterways and moves sediment.
Here’s how to get water off your property:
Rain Barrels and Cisterns
Rain barrels connect to downspouts to collect rainwater for future use. Cisterns are larger than rain barrels and are sometimes stored underground. Just think of all the money you’ll save using stored rainwater to irrigate your xeriscape.
Just attach a hose to the spigot, and you’ll have fresh water saved from a rainy day.
French Drain
Coastal erosion and sinkholes are often the result of poor drainage, but French drains keep the water moving underground.
Traditional box drains collect water from the surface, but French drains are underground.
Perforated pipes wrapped in a permeable sleeve draw water from beneath the soil and convey it to the nearest body of water.
Rethinking Large-scale Solutions
What if we put pressure on local governments to implement the solutions outlined in this article for municipal use?
Many cities have begun xeriscaping near highways and office parks. Other places have paused mowing the embankments near highways until late spring. This “passive roadside restoration” creates ecosystems, benefits pollinators, and lowers management costs.
The colorful bursts of wildflowers each spring are a sight to behold.
Cities should utilize rain gardens and bioswales too.
Bioswales are large rain gardens typically built by cities. Many bioswales utilize concrete barriers to direct water into the rain garden, with a French drain at the base of the trench.
Medians and green spaces near parking lots are ideal locations for bioswales.
Municipal rain gardens are becoming more common because people like you urged their representatives to protect our coastal ecosystems.
How to get started
Feeling inspired but unsure where to begin?
- Try xeriscaping that awkward space between your lawn and sidewalk.
- Start a rain garden wherever rainwater accumulates on your property.
- Replace those pathway stones with permeable pavers.
- Make a plea for bioswales at a town hall meeting.
- Write your congressperson suggesting tax cuts for eco-friendly landscaping.
- Insist on taxing new construction that doesn’t incorporate eco-friendly landscaping.
- Donate to The Ocean River Institute.
Please help us protect our coastal ecosystems by supporting our mission and subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates.
Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.
