Eco-Friendly Landscaping

You can help protect nature in your own front yard! Here are some guidelines for landscaping that align with Sherborn's sustainability goals.

Lawncare

Did you know there are ways to maintain your turf grass lawn that are quieter, cost less, don't waste water, and minimize your contribution to climate change? Here's how:

• Mass Save offers rebates on battery-powered landscaping equipment like mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. These are just as powerful which also contributing less to air and noise pollution.
• The most drought-resistant turf grass for Massachusetts is 80% fine fescue and 20% Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. It only requires about 1 inch of water a week, and if it goes dormant (brown), it is likely to revive in the fall. Only mow one inch for every three inches it grows. 
• In the summer, watering lawns and gardens typically makes up about 40% of household water use. Use rain barrels to capture rainwater from downspouts. Use a lid, mesh fabric or add several drops of baby oil to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Keep an eye out for the Town's rain barrel program in the spring! Click here to learn more about water conservation in landscaping.
• Only mow your lawn when green and dry. Keep the clippings on the lawn to work as a natural fertilizer, and sweep up any clippings in the street to prevent stormwater runoff. You can also compost leaf litter and clippings in a backyard composter.
• Limit use of fertilizers and pesticides/herbicides. Rain causes these chemicals to run off into local bodies of water, risking toxic effects such as algae blooms and fish die-off.
• Replace lawn areas you don't use with native shrubs and ground covers to conserve water, avoid soil erosion, and support biodiversity in our local ecosystem.

Pollinator-Friendly Gardening

Pollinators like butterflies, bees, and other native insects are essential to the survival of our local ecosystem. Support them by following these best practices:

• Plant groupings of plants to keep pollinator habitats from being too small or isolated. Sunny areas are important, but shady areas are also helpful for protection from inclement weather.
• Limit use of insecticides, especially on plants in bloom. Not only are they toxic to pollinators, but they can also be dangerous to insectivorous predators such as birds and other wildlife.
• Consult these resources on choosing pollinator-friendly plants that are right for your land.
• Keep these invasive species out of your garden.