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.
- Good Housekeeping (required):
- Soil test: implement nutrient management plan.
- Rainwater harvesting: install a rain barrel or larger rainwater harvesting system that treats rooftop impervious surface from a 0.05 inch rain.
- Rain garden or bioswale: collects runoff from impervious surface and includes native plants.
- Pollinator planting: use native plants to landscape at least 5% of green space. Includes a minimum of 4 species with at least 2 that are beneficial for pollinators.
- Tree canopy: open space should have tree canopy coverage of 10% (based on mature size) with existing trees (does not include invasive species) or by planting native or fruit/nut trees, using “right tree, right place” principles.
- Compost organic waste: use of a compost pile or bin for organic waste, including food waste, using proper composting practices.
- Water conservation for irrigation systems: conserve potable water using drought tolerant plants and irrigation plans.
- Choose environmentally-friendly pavements: participate in the City’s Clean Pavement Initiative.
- Volunteer for environmental causes: organize employees to clean a City street or stream.
- Connect employees with nature: Implement practices that educate employees and connect them to nature.
Gold Level
Take the Yard Ethic pledge, and complete eight items from the list below.
- Good Housekeeping (required):
- Soil test: implement nutrient management plan.
- Rainwater harvesting: install a rain barrel or larger rainwater harvesting system that treats rooftop impervious surface from a 0.10 inch rain.
- Rain garden or bioswale: collects runoff from impervious surface and includes native plants.
- Pollinator planting: use native plants to landscape at least 10% of green space. Includes a minimum of 8 species with at least 4 that are beneficial for pollinators.
- Tree canopy: open space should have tree canopy coverage of 20% (based on mature size) with existing trees (does not include invasive species) or by planting native or fruit/nut trees, using “right tree, right place” principles.
- Compost organic waste: use of a compost pile or bin for organic waste, including food waste, using proper composting practices.
- Water conservation for irrigation systems: conserve potable water using drought tolerant plants and irrigation plans.
- Choose environmentally-friendly pavements: participate in the City’s Clean Pavement Initiative.
- Volunteer for environmental causes: organize employees to clean a City street or stream.
- Connect employees with nature: Implement practices that educate employees and connect them to nature.