YARD Consultation Worksheet
Background Points
Often, when we think about ways that we can reduce our ecological footprints, visions of large
dollar signs and home improvements come to mind. However, there are a number of things
that we can do outside to significantly reduce our individual greenhouse gas outputs which cost
only time and can save us a bundle of money! Planting trees and raking leaves are a couple of
things that we can do with our families that takes little time and effort, but reduces greenhouse
gasses substantially while building healthy relationships at the same time. Looking into our own
backyards is a great place to start reducing our ecological footprint right now.
Information to Gather during a Consultation
1. How do you use your yard? [Find out what they use the space for – garden? BBQ? Gathering
place? Kids play area?]
2. Do you have trees and shrubs? If so, do they shade the home? Block winter wind?
3. Do you have a lawn? How do you mow it? [push-, electric or gas mower; lawn care service?]
4. How often do you water your lawn? [on timer, underground or drip system]
5. Do you apply chemical pesticides and fertilizers?
Updated 5.11
Additions by v.s.b. 2009
Suggestions
1. Plant trees. A softwood tree can absorb 26lbs CO2 annually, while trees planted on the
south and west sides of your home can reduce your annual cooling energy use by 15-35% (3
trees per building). This can save 200-600 lbs CO2 per year, and $175 in cooling bills, while
adding to the aesthetic quality of your yard.
2. Consider consumption. Outdoor furniture and tools all have embodied emissions. Buying
reused, repairing tools, and sharing with neighbors can reduce or avoid these emissions.
3. Reduce your inputs. Lawns, roses and vegetable gardens can all require more inputs in the
form of mowing, fertilizers, and water than other plants – depending on our standards and
strategies for care! Reducing the size of your lawn, or planting an ‘ecolawn’ can save 150 lbs
CO2 per year. Native plants typically require few inputs and create habitat for wildlife.
4. Build resilience to climate impacts in your landscape. Protect against storm damage by
taking care of trees and clearing gutters; damage from wildfire by creating defendable
space around your home, and against vector-borne diseases by avoiding standing water.
See our Adaptation Tip Sheet for more details.
5. Use a push mower rather than an electric or gas mower. This saves 150 lbs CO2 and about
$18 per year, and helps you get more exercise! The same applies to leaf blowers- using a
rake instead saves 70 lbs CO2 per year, and benefits your compost pile!
6. Reduce your water use in the yard
* set the mower to 3 inches
* leave clippings on the lawn
* water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation
7. Mulch with grass cuttings instead of using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. You will need
to use 25% less nitrogen fertilizer and save 38% in fuel costs for your lawn mower, leading
to a saving of 100lbs CO2 per ¼ acre.
Resources: Yard
US Department of Energy, Landscaping: Strategies for home energy efficiency through
landscaping. www.energysavers.gov/your_home/landscaping
Arbor Day Foundation: A great site for information on trees. www.arborday.org
OSU Benton County Extension Home Horticulture:
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton/horticulture
Updated 5.11
Additions by v.s.b. 2009