The Quick Reference Guide to Earth-Friendly Home Landscaping is a great place to start for information on environmentally friendly landscaping tips. 

Landscaping Guide contents

Download the entire guide or download a specific chapter:

  1. Landscape Design - Information on planning an earth-friendly landscape, including how to create a base map, how to improve soil and how to select the right plants.
  2. Plant Selection - Includes plant lists for trees, shrubs, ground cover, ornamental and native grasses, and native wildflowers and tips on selecting the correct plant.
  3. Practices to Improve Water Quality - Tips on managing storm water, preventing pollution and conserving water.
  4. Rain Gardens - Rain gardens can reduce runoff by collecting rainwater and allowing it to slowly filter into the ground. Includes tips on installing a rain garden, such as site design, site preparation, planting and maintenance. A plant list is included.
  5. Home Composting - Composting can add nutrients to your soil and reduce the amount of garbage your household produces. Includes a list of materials that can be composted and tips on starting and maintaining a compost pile.
  6. Creative Uses for Yard Waste - Ideas for reusing yard waste.
  7. Mulching - Mulches hold moisture, deter weeds, moderate soil temperature and protect the environment. Includes information on the types of mulches available and tips on applying mulch.
  8. Watering and Rain Barrels - Tips on how and when to water. Also includes information on using rain barrels to capture and reuse rainwater.
  9. LILAC: Low Input Lawn Care - A strategy of lawn care that reduces water, fertilizer, and labor inputs necessary to maintain a healthy lawn
  10. Common Mistakes to Avoid - Employ sustainable landscaping techniques by avoiding some common mistakes. 
  11. Resources & Clean Air Landscaping. Resources for more information. How to improve air quality with landscaping steps and a map with earth-friendly landscaping practices.

Printed copies

Printed copies of the guide can be ordered from the Environmental Literature Order Form. Look under the Yard and Garden section for the title A Quick Reference Guide To Earth Friendly Home Landscaping. 

This resource was produced by Hennepin County Environmental Services in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Service of Hennepin County. Portions were reproduced with permission from Dakota County Environmental Management and the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District.