Spring and Summer Landscaping for a Cooler, Healthier Columbia

Spring and summer are the perfect time to rethink how our yards, gardens and outdoor spaces can support a more sustainable Columbia. The way we landscape at home can help conserve water, reduce runoff, support pollinators, improve soil health and make our neighborhoods more resilient during hotter, wetter and more unpredictable seasons.

Plant for Pollinators and Wildlife

Native plants are a great place to start. Native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees are adapted to Missouri’s climate and soils, which means they often need less watering, fertilizer and maintenance once established. They also provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife.

Actions to take:

• Explore the CoMo Wild Yards Program to learn how your yard can better support native plants, wildlife habitat, water conservation and sustainable land stewardship. 
• Request a CoMo Wild Yards consultation for peer-to-peer guidance on native plants, invasive species management and conservation-friendly yard care. 
• Replace small areas of turf with native plants, pollinator gardens or rain gardens to reduce mowing needs and create benefits that last beyond spring.
• Learn which flowers and plants are native to the Columbia region.

Rethink Mowing and Lawn Care

Lawn care choices matter, too. During the growing season, mowing a little higher can help grass develop deeper roots, shade the soil and hold moisture longer. No Mow May can be a helpful reminder to give pollinators more space in spring, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. The bigger opportunity is to reduce the amount of lawn that needs frequent mowing and add more native, low-maintenance landscaping over time.

Actions to take:

• Raise your mower height to support deeper roots and help lawns retain moisture during hot weather. 
• Look for longer-term ways to support pollinators, such as native plant beds, flowering shrubs or reduced-mow areas. 
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn when appropriate so they can return nutrients to the soil naturally. 

Manage Stormwater and Yard Waste

Water management is another important part of sustainable landscaping. Rain gardens, rain barrels, mulch and healthy soil can help slow down and absorb stormwater before it reaches streets and storm drains. Keeping leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste out of the street also helps protect local waterways and reduce clogged infrastructure.

Actions to take:

• Keep leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste out of streets and storm drains to help protect local streams and stormwater systems. 
• Use mulch around trees, shrubs and garden beds to reduce evaporation, cool the soil and limit erosion. 
• Drop off yard waste at Columbia’s yard waste drop-off centers, including the Parkside Drive and Capen Park locations. 

Build Healthier Soil with Compost and Mulch

Healthy soil helps landscapes absorb water, support plant growth and stay more resilient during summer heat. Compost can improve soil structure and add nutrients naturally, while mulch helps protect soil from drying out.

Actions to take:

• Use compost to improve soil health in garden beds, around plants and in landscaping areas. Learn to compost from the City; check if workshops or events are available.
• Learn about Columbia’s Compost and Mulch Operations, where yard waste is turned into compost. 
• Purchase bulk compost from the City by appointment when available to support landscaping and gardening projects. 
• Use City mulch or compost instead of sending reusable yard materials to the landfill. Check whether free mulch is available at the drop-off centers for Columbia residents.   

Use Fertilizer and Water Wisely

More fertilizer is not always better. Using the right product at the right time helps protect local waterways and keeps nutrients where plants can use them. Outdoor water use can also rise quickly in warmer months, so small changes can make a big difference.

Actions to take:

• Choose non-phosphate fertilizer unless a soil test shows phosphorus is needed. 
• Avoid applying fertilizer before heavy rain, when it is more likely to wash into streets, storm drains and waterways. 
• Water early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation. 
• Group plants with similar water needs together so watering can be more efficient. 
• Use mulch to help soil hold moisture through hot summer days. 

The following link will introduce you to lawn care practices that will reduce pesticide and nutrient risks to human health and the environment.

www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/lawn-and-garden

Tips for Renters

Sustainable landscaping does not have to start with a full yard. Renters can make meaningful changes through small outdoor spaces, shared areas and everyday habits.

Actions to take:

• Plant native flowers in containers, balcony planters or small garden beds to support pollinators. 
• Use low-water plants on patios, porches or balconies to reduce watering needs. 
• Keep yard waste out of streets and storm drains around your home or building. 
• Ask property managers about native plantings, mulch or reduced-mow areas that could improve shared outdoor spaces. 
• Start small with one planter, one garden bed or one better watering habit.