What is your backyard doing for the planet? Most of us think that the outdoor space is the place to relax, grow a few plants, maybe mow the lawn once a week, but that backyard you don’t think too much of might be doing more than you think. In fact, it could be helping fight climate change or making it worse.
That’s right, your backyard makes a difference. A small one, but it still matters. The way you treat your soil and your lawn can decide whether your yard is a carbon sink (meaning, it stores carbon and helps the environment) or a carbon source (meaning, it releases carbon into the air and adds to the problem).
And no, this isn’t something only farmers and forest managers should be concerned about; it’s something every homeowner needs to consider.
The Relationship Between Soil and Carbon
You might not think of soil as anything more than dirt, but it plays a huge part in our planet’s carbon balance. Did you know that soil holds more carbon than all the plants and the atmosphere combined? That means that what’s happening under your feet is just as important as what’s happening in the air. The carbon is stored in the form of organic matter – things like plant roots, fallen leaves, and tiny organisms that break down over time. When soil is healthy and full of life, it acts like a sponge, which means it soaks up and holds onto carbon.
But when soil is disturbed or neglected, things change fast. Practices like constant tilling, using too many chemical fertilizers, or leaving the ground bare can cause the soil to release all that stored carbon back into the air as CO₂. And your backyard might be part of this problem.
If you water it too much, stripping away natural debris, or compact the soil with heavy foot traffic, it can’t store carbon as effectively. Although it seems like these issues only matter in farms or forests, the truth is that your everyday gardening habits have an actual impact, as well.
Landscaping Practices That Make or Break Carbon Storage
What you plant and the way you care for your yard shape how it looks. But there’s more to it than just looks because it also plays a role in whether your soil holds onto carbon or releases it.
Here are 5 major landscaping practices that either help soil lock in carbon or lead to unnecessary loss of it:
1. Soil Management
How do you treat your soil? Think about it because it’s one of the most important factors in carbon storage. When soil is constantly tilled or dug up, it disrupts the microbial networks underground, which help trap carbon in place. That carbon then escapes into the air, where it worsens global warming.
What should you do? That’s easy – avoid disturbing the soil as much as you can.
Adding compost or planting cover crops between seasons can make the soil healthier and help it hold onto more carbon.
2. Mulching
Using mulch is one of the simplest ways to improve the ability of your garden to hold carbon. Of course, you need the right kind of mulch, which is organic. Wood chips, shredded leaves, and compost help insulate the soil, keep it cool, and moist. It also feeds the microbes responsible for locking carbon into the ground.
Try looking up “mulch for sale near me” online to find/get the best organic options close to you.
3. Plant Selection
What you choose to plant in your garden affects how much carbon your soil can store. Perennials and native plants develop deeper root systems than your usual ornamental varieties, and those roots feed the soil with organic matter. The more diverse your garden is, the more life thrives under it.
A variety of plants supports a variety of soil organisms, which is excellent for carbon retention.
4. Maintenance and Size of Your Lawn
The lawn is a symbol of a well-kept yard, but it can be a big source of carbon emissions. Constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing burn energy and push the soil to release stored carbon. If you want to make your backyard more climate-friendly, shrink your lawn and replace it with low-maintenance flowers, native grasses, or edible plants.
If you can’t do that, at least let your grass grow a little longer between mows.
5. Trees and Shrubs
If you want a long-term solution for pulling carbon out of the air, plant trees. Even just 1 or 2 can make a noticeable difference. Trees absorb carbon as they grow, and they store it in their wood, roots, and surrounding soil for decades. Shrubs and hedges do this, too, and they also improve biodiversity and provide shelter for pollinators and birds.
Conclusion
Your backyard is so much more than just a place where you barbecue and keep your lawn chairs. It’s a living system and with a few little changes, it can start helping the planet instead of working against it. Who knew that saving the environment could start at the edge of your patio?
