Summertime is always just a bit more special than the rest of the year. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and people want to spend more of their time outdoors. If you have a backyard that you'd like to enjoy more this summer, there are plenty of ways to spruce it up and make it eco-friendly at the same time.

1. Start Composting 

Another suggestion is to start composting in your backyard. It’s easy and inexpensive, and will support the environment tremendously. For starters, it will lower the amount of garbage and waste you produce. It also provides you with a free and all-natural fertilizer. Many people invest in a compost bin to keep the compost out of sight and to reduce any smell that might accompany it.

2. Change up Your Pool

If you already have a pool in your backyard, it’s important to make sure it’s as eco-friendly as possible. Some things you could try are switching to using fewer chemicals in your pool, use a pool cover, or a solar pool heater. If you don’t have a pool already you can find the best pool financing companies to help you get started. Consider discussing your eco-friendly goals with the company you choose. You can choose between natural pools, salt water pools, or ones with more efficient heating. There are plenty of options to enjoy a swimming pool while helping the environment. 

5. Be Smart with Landscaping

Whether you’re about to add landscaping, or you’re simply managing it, make sure to incorporate reusable materials. They aren’t only great on your bank account, but also on the planet. There are many options for reusable materials such as natural stone. There are plenty of resources to choose from that look great and are durable simultaneously. Natural stones can be placed anywhere of your choosing to create a pathway or to surround a flower bed or garden. They will last a lifetime and therefore reduce the amount of resources you go through each year.

Your landscaping choices don’t have to harm the environment. You can find choices you love while still being environmentally friendly. It can be done in other personalized ways such as creating a green roof or wall.

3. Harvest Rainwater

Harvesting rainwater is one of the most simple ways to keep your yard green and happy without using excessive water. Decide between using cisterns, rain barrels, or even rain chains to get started. Research your options and find a way to implement it into your yard. This harvested rainwater can be used to water flowers, gardens, and any other plants.

4. Choose Native Plants and Flowers

When you’re looking for just the right plants, trees, and flowers for your yard, choose flora that is natice to your area. This has many benefits to the environment. It can provide habitat needed for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that is naturally in that area. It supports their food chain and creates a great ripple effect on the environment. These local plants are acclimated to the climate already and will work great in your yard. Once they are planted they won’t require excessive watering. They can rely mostly on the local rainfall, which is a great way to preserve water. Additionally, these plants won’t be in need of any fertilizers or pesticides, so they are easy and inexpensive to maintain and are environmentally friendly.

We can protect the environment by starting in our own backyard. We may not realize it, but there are many changes we can pursue to make our home a more eco-friendly place.