Yard Ethic Certification

Join the Yard Ethic community by utilizing these checklists to implement practices that save money, beautify your landscaping, conserve water, reduce stormwater pollution and create habitat.

Download a printable copy of the Yard Ethic Certification Checklist.

Silver Level

Take the Yard Ethic pledge, and complete five items from the list below.

  • Keep outdoor areas free of trash and debris (required):Address windblown trash and debris, implement a routine litter clean-up of your property at a set frequency.
  • Soil test: Complete a soil test that includes soil nutrients and organic matter content.
  • Rainwater harvesting: Install a rain barrel or larger rainwater harvesting system with a minimum, 50-gallon capacity.
  • Rain garden or bioswale: The rain garden or bioswale should collect runoff from impervious surfaces and include native plants.
    Note: You may be eligible for a free rain garden purchased and planted by the City of Springfield. Visit yardethic.com/residential/bloomblvd to learn more.
  • Native Pollinator planting: Use native plants to landscape at least 5% of managed green space. Include a minimum of four species with at least two that are beneficial for pollinators.
  • Tree canopy: Any areas not covered by buildings or trees should have tree canopy coverage of 10% with existing trees, by planting native trees, fruit/nut trees or using “right tree, right place” principles. Note: You may be eligible for a free tree purchased and planted in the right-of-way by the City of Springfield. Visit springfieldmo.gov/neighborwoods to learn more.
  • Compost organic waste: Use of a compost pile, bin, or third-party service for organic waste, including food waste, using proper composting practices
  • Water conservation for irrigation systems: Complete a survey for leaks in the irrigation system (required) in addition to various other practices.
  • Choose environmentally-friendly pavements: Participate in the City’s Clean Pavement Initiative. Visit springfieldmo.gov/cleanpavement to learn more.
  • Volunteer for environmental causes: Participate in one community clean-up annually.
  • Connect employees with nature: Implement practices that educate employees and connect them to nature.
  • Eliminate invasive species: Submit an invasive species removal plan which details targeted species, removal methods, etc.
Apply Now for Certification

Gold Level

Take the Yard Ethic pledge, and complete eight items from the list below.

  • Keep outdoor areas free of trash and debris (required): Address windblown trash and debris, implement a routine litter clean-up of your property at a set frequency.
  • Soil test: Complete a soil test that includes soil nutrients and organic matter content.
  • Rainwater harvesting: Install a rain barrel or larger rainwater harvesting system with a minimum, 100-gallon capacity.
  • Rain garden or bioswale: The rain garden or bioswale should collect runoff from impervious surfaces and include native plants. Note: You may be eligible for a free rain garden purchased and planted by the City of Springfield. Visit yardethic.com/residential/bloomblvd to learn more.
  • Native pollinator planting: Use native plants to landscape at least 10% of managed green space. Includes a minimum of 8 species with at least 4 that are beneficial for pollinators.
  • Tree canopy: Any areas not covered by buildings or trees should have tree canopy coverage of 20% with existing trees, by planting native trees, fruit/nut trees or using “right tree, right place” principles. Note: You may be eligible for a free tree purchased and planted in the right-of-way by the City of Springfield. Visit springfieldmo.gov/neighborwoods to learn more.
  • Compost organic waste: Use of a compost pile, bin, or third-party service for organic waste, including food waste, using proper composting practices.
  • Water conservation: Complete a survey for leaks in the irrigation system (required) in addition to various other practices.
  • Choose environmentally-friendly pavements: Participate in the City’s Clean Pavement Initiative. Visit springfieldmo.gov/cleanpavement to learn more.
  • Volunteer for environmental causes: Register and participate in adopt-a-stream or adopt-a-street.
  • Connect employees with nature: Implement three specified practices.
  • Eliminate invasive species: Submit and invasive species removal plan which details targeted species, removal methods, etc.
Apply Now for Certification