5 Tips To Make Your Yard Greener, Plus 6 of our Favorite Green Shrubs

Do you ever look out the window at your yard and wish that it were greener? Big Rock Landscaping has the solution for you. Utah homeowners are no strangers to the struggle that comes with maintaining a green yard in the Intermountain West landscaping space. This battle for green requires professional attention, and Big Rock Landscaping has the solution for you.

What does greener mean? In addition to a lovely and lush landscape, green means sustainable landscaping ideas. The crew at Big Rock Landscaping can help create landscaping that enhances curb appeal with an environmentally friendly plan for the future.

1. Start with Healthy Soil for a Greener Yard

Healthy soil is key in Utah for greener and healthier lawns and yards.

When trying to maintain soil health, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. The healthiest soils are a balance of sand, silt, and clay. If you don’t already have this particular type of soil blend, you can add compost to your existing soil to improve the way it retains nutrients. You can always have your soil’s pH tested to determine which levels need to be adjusted to improve the situation in your yard.

Need more ideas for improving the soil in your Utah-friendly landscaping? Keep reading for more tips!

2. Keep the Pests Out 

Pest control is crucial for maintaining the health of your soil and plants. Use natural pest control methods for the greenest results, and be sure to avoid leaving standing water in your yard to discourage pests from making it their home.

3. Don’t Skip Aeration

Aeration is a crucial component of gardening and maintaining healthy soil. When you aerate, it helps to relieve soil from compacting, which in turn allows water, air, and other nutrients to enter, resulting in the healthiest of soils.

4. Pay Attention to Watering 

Plan out your watering time! Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day, and be sure to water less frequently and more deeply for ultimate root and soil health.

5. Use Fertilizer

Organic matter and the support of compost matter greatly contribute to greener growth in Utah. Fertilize your lawn with grass clippings, organic mulch, or another balanced fertilizer for natural support.

The Best Evergreen Shrubs That Flourish All Year-Round in Utah 

Evergreen shrubs are an anchor for year-round greenery in Utah landscaping. They are incredibly climate-resilient, especially for Utah soil, and as shrubs that stay green year-round, they are aesthetically pleasing.

Keep reading to learn more about Utah shrubs for landscaping.

Hicks Yew

This Utah-loving shrub is a hardy option! It tends to be somewhat disease-resistant and can grow up to a foot in a year. Known for their adaptability, they thrive in both sun and shade. Water them deeply once or twice a week when it is first established, and don’t forget the mulch!

Boxwood

This frost-resistant perennial is so hardy that it can even withstand the harsh Utah winters. The rich green shrubs’ leaves add a vibrant pop of color throughout the year. They can also be grown as individual shrubs!

Otto Luyken Laurel

While it is important to note that Otto Luyken Laurel is toxic to humans, it’s also known for being able to tolerate a variety of soils in the great state of Utah. It does grow in the sun, but in the warmest parts of the state (like Southern Utah) may prefer some shade. Keep an eye out for gorgeous berries after the first year or two!

Dwarf Burning Bush

A vibrant and beautiful red color in the fall, and a gorgeous green in the spring, the Dwarf Burning Bush is a popular choice in Utah. Heads up! This popular shrub can be considered invasive, so be prepared to manage it!

Ninebark

Good news for Ninebark! This Utah-loving shrub has the ability not only to survive, but also to thrive in almost all conditions, including wet and dry atmospheres, temperatures from high to low, as well as sandy and clay soils. This gorgeous, blooming shrub is the ideal drought-tolerant, low-maintenance Utah shrub.

Limelight Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are incredible. This durable shrub is a fantastic choice for Utah landscaping. When working with this versatile shrub, be sure to water it carefully. Giving them too much water, especially in the cooler weather, can start root rot.

FAQs: Making Your Yard Greener in Utah 

Still wondering how to make your yard greener in Utah? Let the experts at Big Rock Landscaping help! Keep reading to learn more.

How do I make my yard greener naturally?

There are several natural ways to achieve a greener yard. It’s essential to focus on using native plants, watering less frequently but deeply each time, and employing natural fertilizers, such as grass clippings or other nitrogen-rich materials. Another option is to aerate your lawn or overseed to fill in the bare patches and help thicken your lawn.

Can native Utah plants help make my yard greener?

It’s true! Native plants from Utah can help make your yard look much greener. This is a very sustainable option. Why, you may ask? Native plants are very low-maintenance. In addition, they excel at being drought-tolerant, a trait that is particularly common in mountainous areas such as Utah. Native plants also help with water conservation and generally need less water. There are many grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers to choose from.

Are there evergreen shrubs that need little water?

Yes! Despite the name, not all evergreen shrubs require a great deal of water, making them fantastic options for homeowners looking to make positive changes to their landscaping. A few successful evergreen shrubs include junipers and the Sawara False Cypress, which is known for its ability to thrive in dry conditions. Another option is the Eastern Arborvitae, which is commonly used as a hedge and requires minimal maintenance.

How often should I water my yard to keep it green in the summer?

Summers in Utah can be very hot! With this in mind, to achieve a vibrant and healthy green lawn, a good goal is to water between 2 and 3 times per week. Remember that it’s important to water in the morning to beat the heat. Is your lawn surviving and not thriving outside this summer? Are you forgetting to water? Try a sprinkler system for predictable watering times!

What are the most common mistakes that make Utah lawns turn yellow?

Still wondering why your lawn isn’t as green as it could be? Utah is known for its extremely dry conditions and the potential for drought. With this in mind, it’s vital not to underwater your plants to ensure they don’t dry out. On the other hand, overwatering is also an issue! This can lead to waterlogged soil, which in turn can lead to yellowing grass and fungal diseases. Other issues can include pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, mowing mistakes, urinating pets, and over-fertilization. Let the experts at Big Rock Landscaping guide you through any questions you may have about your lawn issues.

Create a Greener Yard in Utah

Need help creating a greener yard in Utah? While there are many ways to work towards a greener yard, having professional help can make a significant difference. The team at Big Rock Landscaping has years of experience in sustainable landscaping ideas. As the experts in green lawn tips for dry climates, they lead the way when it comes to greener yards, whether it’s visibly greener or the overall process of turning it into a more sustainable space.

As the top provider for premium landscaping design and build, the professionals at Big Rock Landscaping will work to create the yard you have always envisioned.