Putting Our Best Foot Forward During Climate Change

At LawnCare by Walter, we’re putting our best foot forward as we explore different ways on how to implement sound practices that benefit the earth. As we aim to enhance your garden and create a stunning patio for your entertainment purposes, we take pride in giving you peace of mind in knowing that your lawn will have a positive impact on the environment.

As part of our efforts, we spend a good deal of time consulting the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The map was recently updated in 2023, the first time since 2012. The purpose of the map is to inform gardeners of the different types of perennial plants and which ones are most likely to thrive in certain environments. It bases its findings on annual weather patterns and recorded temperatures—both high and low—for every season. Located at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov, we encourage you to check it out.

It's no secret that the earth is getting warmer. Winters have a shorter lifespan than they did not too many years ago. While we still have our cold snaps here in Rockford, it isn’t unheard of for them to be immediately followed by more moderate temperatures and multiple rainfalls as this past January has demonstrated. Unreliable weather is a certainty in winter these days. With that said, plants that once thrived in Rockford may no longer do so. The good news is that there are many alternatives that will flourish in our ever-changing climate. And these alternatives benefit the planet.

At LawnCare by Walter, we have an array of options for a sustainable lawn. We have an entire section titled Lawn, Plants & Foliage on our website under the Gallery channel. We also publish a Plant of the Month section filled with an ongoing assortment of flowers and greenery.

Now is the time to start making plans. As the duration of winter shortens, the arrival of spring quickens!