Landscape Sustainably

Landscape Sustainably
Wellesley Climate Action Be Part of It

Photo credit: Michael Tobin

Credit Michael Tobin

Natural resources encompass all aspects of a healthy and functioning ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems provide resilience benefits in Wellesley by cooling (through shading and evapotranspiration), reducing  and filtering stormwater run-off, protecting biodiversity, cleaning the air we breath, and removing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. 

Wellesley's beautiful natural resources also provide aesthetic, recreational, and cultural value to our community.

Wellesley residential yards and the way Wellesley's residents maintain these yards have important implications for the the health of Wellesley's ecosystems, people, and beyond. 

Wellesley's Natural Resources Commission's (NRC's) Grow Green Initiative  promotes eco-friendly landscaping methods.

The NRC and DPW maintain Wellesley's open space sustainably without pesticides or herbicides. by conserving water resources, and by planting only native species. 

What are the benefits of landscaping sustainably?

Energy and Climate
  • Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide, thereby reducing  atmospheric greenhouse gas.
  • Well-placed trees and shrubs are natural barriers to sun and wind, reducing building energy use.
  • Electric versus gas-powered equipment  means fewer  greenhouse gas emissions.
Natural Resource Protection
  • Pesticide and herbicide-free lawns help maintain ecosystem stability and resilience.
  • Water-efficient irrigation, drought resistant plants, and rainwater harvesting conserve water.
  • Mulching, composting, and organic fertilizers enhance soil fertility, structure, and water retention.
  • Planting only native species helps protect biodiversity and avoid the competition and habitat alterations caused by invasive species. Thoughtful design can even create new habitats.
Human Health
  • Pesticide and herbicide-free yards protect human and ecosystem health by avoiding air, soil, and water contamination.
  • Using electric landscaping equipment avoids harmful air pollution from gas-powered lawn-care equipment.
Savings, Quiet
 and Less Maintenance
  • Rebates for electric landscaping equipment
  • Electric lawn equipment is less polluting, quieter, easier to maneuver, and requires less maintenance than gas-powered equipment.

How do you landscape sustainably?

Number 1

Electrify your lawn equipment!

Go electric with your: 

  • Lawnmower
  • Leaf blower
  • String trimmer
  • Chain saw
  • Snow blower

Number 2

Design Sustainably

  • Choose native plants 
  • Choose drought-resistance plants
  • Reduce lawn size
  • Create habitats for local species with native plants, bird feeders, bird baths, and pollinator gardens
  • Design plantings to maximize home energy efficiency with shading and cooling
  • Install rain barrels 
  • Create a rain garden
  • Minimize hardscapes
  • Start a home composting system

Number 3

Maintain Sustainably

  • Go pesticide and herbicide free!
  • Use electric equipment
  • Minimize watering
  • Mulch
  • Compost

Take advantage of incentives for electric landscaping equipment

Heat your home with natural gas?

  • You qualify for MassSave rebates on electric lawn equipment 

  • Click here to apply for your rebate

Heat your home with oil, propane, or electricity?

  • You qualify for Wellesley Municipal Light Plant rebates.

  • Click here to apply for your rebate

Want to learn more?