Have you decided to Ditch the Lawn?
Some of our neighbors have decided to:
Replace their lawn with more plants to make their yard more eco-friendly.
Use a diverse selection of native plants or non-native plants with a minimal environmental impact.
Advantages are:
Many people like the look better.
Reduction in use of water and pesticides for the lawn and gasoline for lawn and garden equipment.
These efforts, and “no mow” initiatives, help support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Video: How to Fall Out of Love With Your Lawn
Restrictions:
Per Hank Berry, Code Enforcement, Huntington Woods (248/581-2637, hberry@hwmi.org), there are restrictions for the land between the sidewalk and the street, which is considered “city property”. This includes a limit of 10% of nonliving landscape material (pavers, rocks, etc.). Also, plant growth is limited to 6” to prevent obstructed views (drivers need to see what is on the sidewalk for safety reasons).
This note is from the City of Huntington Woods:
Lawns are not great sources for pollinators, unless they are covered in clover, dandelions, or wildflowers. The City encourages residents interested in supporting bees and pollinators to consider pollinator lawns, wildflowers and native plant gardens by visiting Home - Michigan Pollinator Initiative (msu.edu).
What have you done with your lawn? Let us know and provide pictures if possible.