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Heritage Lawns & Irrigation is dedicated to helping homeowners have lawns that they can stand in and say, "Yeah, this is nice." We want everyone to be proud of their corner of the world. To that end, we have dedicated this page to sort through the "green" tidal wave of information and give you actionable steps and data that you can use to do your part in being a good steward of the environment.

So let’s keep this simple and break things down to three levels. Starting smallest and working out.

Indoors

Start with the basics first, like water, energy and waste. You can build a good foundation with these and then expand from there if you want.

Action Items:

• Simply save water: Turn off water while brushing teeth. Keep showers to five minutes or less. Run the dishwasher and clothes washer on full loads only.
• Make inexpensive upgrades: Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
• Replace older toilets: older, larger tank toilets use 5-6 gallons per flush where new models use 1.6 gallons or less. That’s almost a 75% savings. Remember this next time you remodel a bathroom.
• Switch to more efficient light bulbs: At first I didn’t like the color of compact fluorescent lights, but now they are better, brighter and come in different colors. They use only 20-30% of the electricity of old style bulbs. Look at LED lights also. They are even more efficient and are getting better every month.
• Conduct a home energy audit: There are several good websites now that can help you conduct your own audit. One is Home Energy Saver at hes.lbl.gov. Performing an audit will give you a list of projects you can tackle that will make your home more energy efficient.
• Reduce waste: Consider what you buy and where. Does it have to be new? Can you buy in bulk? Can you donate or resell when you’re finished with it? Just take a second and think of alternatives before you buy or throw away.
• Recycle: I put this at the bottom of my list because this is where people usually start. It’s easy, convenient and readily available.

Your Own Backyard

I’m a lazy guy by nature and I look to make things as simple and easy as possible. To do this in your own backyard, start with the "right plant in the right place" philosophy. This will lead to diversity and make maintenance so much easier.

Action Items:

• Right plant, right place: Think about the area you are trying to grow in. Is it shady? Full-sun? Wet? Dry? etc. Now pick plants that do well in that environment. Don’t try to grow turf in a heavily shaded spot. It can be done but will require annual seeding, more water, more attention, more, more, more. When a plant likes its location, it can fend for itself and requires less input to thrive.
• Wild areas aren’t always bad: You don’t always have to have every part of the yard manicured to the hilt. Native areas encourage birds and wildlife.
• Maintain water for wildlife: Provide water sources such as bird baths, small pools and ponds to encourage wildlife to visit.
• Use water wisely: Maintain your sprinkler system for maximum efficiency. Inspect your system monthly for leaks and proper coverage. This can be as simple as watching it run through the zones. In addition, get a professional tune-up twice a year. If your system is older, check with us (Contact Us) about water saving features like rain shut-off sensors.
• Protect water quality: What goes into the gutter from our sidewalks and driveways goes directly to our streams and rivers. The single largest source of our stream pollution is organic matter. Yes, leaves and grass clippings cause more problems than trash and chemicals. If you’re lucky enough to live along a stream or pond, maintain a healthy stand of turf along the edge to buffer runoff and prevent erosion.
• Mow tall and mulch: See our proper mowing section for details on how high to set your mower. Mulching in grass clippings and leaves is the best way to minimize waste going to the landfill and return these nutrients to the lawn.
• Reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals: Follow the rules of our "Eco-Pride" programs to get a lawn that will make you proud, but not damage it for future generations.

Beyond Your Backyard

Now that you know what needs to be done, spread the word.

Action Items:

• Share your success: Talk to friends and family and show them how to be proud of their corners of the world.
• Encourage neighbors and homeowners associations: Talk to your neighbors and suggest your HOA board get involved. Build pride in your neighborhood.
• Get involved: Look for opportunities to participate in things you love. Stream clean-ups, recycle days, church groups, etc.

If we each care for our corner of the world, we will live in a better place. Heritage Lawns and Irrigation is here to help you, so feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions or concerns.