Checklist for a Healthy Yard

1. Less than 50% of my yard (excluding buildings and pavement) is covered in lawn.
   
2. To create healthy soil, I don't use weed barrier cloth and, in the fall, I leave some of the leaves on the ground.
   
3. At least 20% of my plants are native and I continue to plant more natives. I grow flowering shrubs and perennials to feed bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
   
4. I avoid using pesticides and herbicides, including weed & feed. I don't use rat poison, which kills owls and other predators.
   
5. I don't use a leaf blower. I leave some of the leaves on the ground to provide cover for bumblebees and other insects.
6. Other than edibles, I grow mostly water-wise plants. Once plants are established, I water only once a week or less often.
   
7. I leave dead trees when safe to do so. I leave logs, branches and stumps that provide cover for wildlife and nourish the soil.
   

Don't worry if you haven't completed all of the steps. It takes time to transition from conventional landscaping to a healthy yard.