Taking Care of our Air
Landscaping and Lawn Care
How does your yard affect our air quality?
The plants in your yard can reduce resource consumption and absorb carbon dioxide. Mowing with a gas-powered mower in the evening can reduce the daytime buildup of ground-level ozone.
Mowing lawns in the evening can help reduce emissions and support better air quality.
Choosing native plants is a practical and effective way to support cleaner, healthier air.
Did you know?
To do: Go electric
Ditch the gas, keep the grass.
Gas-powered lawn mowers are leading emissions producers.
Converting to electric lawn equipment improves local and regional air quality. In addition to lowering emissions, electric lawn equipment does not require gas or oil, so there’s less spilling and little to no maintenance required.
Reduce emissions from gas-powered lawn equipment
If it isn’t practical to use electric equipment, here are some tips to reduce emissions with the equipment you have.
Operating a gas-powered mower or other lawn equipment in the heat of the day increases pollution even more. Late morning is the worst time to mow on a hot, sunny day because it releases fumes when they are most likely to be transformed into ozone. Mowing later in the day allows ozone-forming fumes to dissipate overnight.
Purchase newer equipment
Older lawn movers will be less efficient, so purchase new equipment to maximize emission reductions.
Well-maintained equipment is less likely to pollute the air. It’s a good idea to perform annual maintenance on your equipment, or more frequently if recommended by your equipment’s manufacturer.
Reduce the size of your lawn
Consider shrinking your lawn or grassy landscape or getting rid of it altogether and replacing it with a beautiful native landscape. A smaller lawn means using your garden equipment less which will reduce fossil fuel use and air pollution. Smaller lawns can also help you reduce water usage and save money.
Spilled gasoline releases harmful pollutants into the air and water. Prevent spills by using a spill-proof gas canister that is manageable for you to pour.
Efficient landscaping
The right landscaping techniques can beautify your yard and improve our air quality.
Go native
You know rain gardens help water quality, but did you know native landscaping also helps make our air cleaner and healthier? It requires less mowing, watering and use of chemicals.
KCRainKeepers had information on regional native plants and where to buy them.
Plant a tree
Trees shade your home in the summer and provide a windbreak in the winter, reducing energy costs. They also remove pollutants from the air. To help you choose a tree, visit Heartland Tree Alliance.