Consider rethinking the lawn. Americans spend over $30 billion (yes, billion) a year on their lawns. Eight hundred million gallons of gas to cut grass and 70 million pounds of chemicals are dumped on lawns to kill weeds or pests each year. The mowers emit as much hydrocarbon in an hour as a car driven 50 miles. Where there’s lawn there aren’t any trees, shrubs or other plants offering food or habitat for wildlife, cooling shade and better carbon storage. Consider making small changes, maybe starting where the lawn isn’t doing so well. Plant native plants — they’re adapted to the local environment. Plant similar plants in different spots to see how well they do. Plant trees — they up the value of your real estate. There is lots of gardening information nearby: the Cooperative Extension Service, Libraries, and Garden Clubs. This is a great time of year to reconsider the lawn.