Studies have proven that spending time in nature every day can significantly reduce stress. However, how can a person living in the middle of a city with no nearby park do? You can turn your yard into an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. Here are some tips that will help you commune with Mother Earth without leaving your property.
Plant Some Trees
There are many benefits of having a tree if you have the luxury of owning a property with a spacious yard. One, trees provide shade and generally cool the area during the summer season. Two, trees clean the air you breathe by absorbing toxic gases and filtering particulates. Three, they help combat climate change.
You have the option to go the traditional route of planting a sapling and waiting for it to grow. Or, if you are in a hurry, you can hire tree planting services who will erect a fully-grown specimen in your yard.
Having trees, especially old ones, will increase the value of your property in case you plan to move out and sell your house in the future. Trees, therefore, are a worthy investment both financially and to help the environment.
Plant Plants
Plants will make your yard come to life. Fill the space with flowers to bring color to the area. Shrubs can serve as a natural border between the yard and the driveway. If you like to cook, why not grow your own herbs in a garden bed?
Like trees, plants of all sizes will make your entire property feel cooler in the upcoming warmer months. Moreover, they not only give you a place to escape when the city becomes too dreary; you also provide an oasis to the countless insect population in the area.
If you do not like to spend too much time tending to your yard, you can go for native plants. They are more hardy and low-maintenance since they are used to the local weather and the quality of the soil in the area. You can talk to a gardener or landscaper to learn more about native plants.
Create a Pond
A pond in the middle of the city? Why not. Being around a body of water has been proven to be an effective way to significantly reduce stress. When you cannot drive down to the beach, you can still lower your levels of cortisol and be in a state of zen if you have a man-made pond in your backyard.
You can do it on your own; there are plenty of step-by-step tutorials online that you can follow. If you have a limited budget, you can pick up a stock tank and full it up with water.
Be warned, though. Having standing water in your property can be a breeding ground for mosquitos. To prevent the blood-sucking insects from breeding in your yard, get fishes that destroy larvae.
Sit Back and Relax
Once your yard is filled with greeneries, the final step is to bring out comfy chairs and a table so you can spend as much time outside.
Admittedly, taking care of your yard requires a bit of money, time, and hard work. However, it is worth it because, aside from its aesthetic value, you get to go out and enjoy what nature has to offer.
