It’s funny I watch the news and all you here about is companies “going green” or “reducing their carbon footprint.” Whether global warming is fact or fiction makes no difference. We need to be good caretakers of our planet. We must hand down to our children and grandchildren a planet Earth that is better in better shape then what we received from our parents.

Who does not enjoy and appreciate those bright sunny spring days in the Sierra Foothills. Clear blue skies, clean air and the clear waters of our lakes and rivers. People all are aware of the impact that we each have on the environment.I hear people all the time say, “I’m driving less” or “I bought a hybrid car.” This is all helpful but as I walk around the nursery I realize that our industry refering to the nursery industry is without a doubt the most “Green Industry” around. Plants, trees and shrubs all create oxygen as well as clean and filter the air. Plants provide food and nutrition for people throughout the world. Plants provide renewable resources for building, and in some cases plants will remove toxins and pollutants from soils.

So with all that said would it not just make since to start thinking about “Going Green” right there in your own garden? Reduce your personal carbon footprint by planting a tree or two in your yard. A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs./year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings.

Then if each of us thought about thinking green when it came to the fertilizing and care of our yards we would significantly reduce the chemical exposure to the soil and the run offs into our water supply. How many of you went out there and fertilized your lawn with a popular weed and feed last spring and summer? Do you realize that the runoff from your sprinklers is loaded with residue from your fertilizer and that run off ends up in our storm drains that feed into small streams, lakes and rivers? Polluating not only the water, but the fish and the wildlife that rely on the water supply.

So how can we be green without costing us a fortune?? Its simple, first off look at your yard and garden. Ask yourself” can I plant another tree or shrub in my yard.” Look at the edible option, a fruit tree can not only help reduce your carbon footprint by creating oxygen it will produce fruit for you and your family. Take a good look at your shed or garage, what are you using to fertilize, what kind of pest and weed control products are you using? Be a good steward of our Earth, go organic.

In the past organic products may have not been as effective as today. Plus they were extremly pricey but There are several awesome organic soils and fertilizers on the market such as Fox Farm. Montery makes incredible organics for weed and pest management and Serenade is a great product for fungus and molds. If we all reduce the amount of chemicals we are using in our gardens we can significantly reduce the damage done to our environment.