Says the EPA: Most trees and shrubs get all the nutrients they need from the soil, but annuals, vegetable gardens and lawns sometimes need additional nutrients from a fertilizer.
The EPA recommends that you look for products with “natural organic” or “slow-release” ingredients. Unlike “quick-release” fertilizers, the EPA says, natural organic or slow-release fertilizers feed your plants slowly and evenly. The result? Healthier plants with strong root systems and no excessive “top growth.”

This is probably not what you want to hear, but those ancient, motor-less push mowers are good. That’s because they don’t burn fossil fuels or emit greenhouse gases.
If you do use a power mower (it’s okay – we know you’ll get the electric model next time), try to use a mulching mower. Instead of throwing away the grass clippings, you can let them sit right on the grass and enrich the soil.
According to the EPA, the clippings quickly decompose and release valuable nutrients back into the soil to feed the grass, reducing the need for nitrogen by 25 to 50 percent.

Watering too much or too little is the cause of many common plant problems, says the EPA. You can have healthier plants and save money on water bills by learning to give your lawn and garden what they need, and no more.
According to the EPA, most plants do best if the soil is allowed to partially dry out between waterings. If the grass loses its shine, or if your footprints don’t show up on the lawn, it’s time to water.

According to New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services, you can reduce your cooling and heating bills by as much as 30 percent by landscape planning.

And – you knew we were going to say this, didn’t you? – the way you landscape your yard has a big effect on the environment.