Stone path through grass, tree, and shrub landscape.

Mixed use spaces

As with all things in life, balance is important in landscaping. Grass looks (and functions) best when surrounded by healthy trees, flowers, and vegetables.

Keep the lawn as a space to relax or play or let the dogs run - but by intentionally using some of your space to grow other plants, you can make a healthier ecosystem.

Other plants to consider growing alongside turfgrass:

Trees

Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and have as many ecological benefits as grass! Their roots help prevent erosion, their branches provide shade, and they can provide fruit as food for people, animals, or insects.

Flowers

Most people think of flowers primarily because they can make your yard pretty. But they also help provide food for pollinators, and they can be an important food source for pollinators and small animals.

Vegetables

You may think your yard is too small for a vegetable garden, but even a small plot of easy-to-manage vegetables can help create a diverse mixed-use space that benefits people, animals, and pollinators.

Shrubs and bushes

Shrubs and bushes can serve a variety of purposes in your lawn. Shrubs increase privacy, their roots help to reduce soil erosion, and their small branches create a habitat for small mammals like rabbits and squirrels.

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