Sustainable Lawn and Pest Care Trends That Actually Work

“Sustainable landscaping” is one of those phrases you hear everywhere, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, what actually works when it comes to taking care of your lawn and keeping pests under control without harming the environment?

If you live in or around Traverse City, this question matters more than most. We’re surrounded by lakes, forests, wildlife, and some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Michigan. The way we care for our lawns and landscapes doesn’t just affect our own yards. It affects our water, our soil, and the ecosystems that make Northern Michigan such a special place to live.

That’s why sustainable lawn and pest care has moved from “nice idea” to “necessary approach.” But not every trend delivers on its promise. Some sustainable solutions truly work and provide real benefits. Others…sound good on paper but don’t do much once you put them to the test.

Let’s take a closer look at what sustainable landscaping really means here in Traverse City, and which lawn and pest care trends are worth your time (and which ones you can safely skip).

Sustainable Trends That Actually Work

Some eco-friendly lawn and pest care solutions live up to the hype. These are practices Green Team sees real results from every season.

• Automowers: Quiet, Efficient, and Surprisingly Powerful: Robotic lawn mowers have gone from novelty to game-changer. These battery-powered automowers trim grass a little at a time, often mowing daily, which keeps lawns consistently neat without stressing the turf. Because automowers cut frequently and leave tiny clippings behind, they naturally return nutrients to the soil, acting like a slow, steady fertilizer. They also eliminate gas usage, reduce emissions, and operate quietly, which is a win for neighborhoods and wildlife alike. From a lawn health perspective, automowers encourage thicker, healthier grass with fewer bare spots. From a sustainability standpoint, they reduce fuel consumption and noise pollution. This is one trend that truly delivers.
• Hydretain: Smarter Water Use Without Environmental Harm: Water conservation is a big deal, especially during warmer, drier stretches of summer. Hydretain is a soil amendment designed to help turf use water more efficiently by capturing moisture vapor in the soil and making it available to grass roots. What’s important to know is that Hydretain does not harm the environment. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe when applied correctly. Instead of replacing watering, it helps lawns get more out of the water they already receive. For Traverse City lawns that experience heat stress or inconsistent rainfall, Hydretain can be a valuable tool in maintaining healthy turf while reducing unnecessary water use.
• Aeration and Overseeding: Still One of the Best Sustainable Investments: Sometimes the most effective solutions aren’t new trends at all, they’re proven practices done consistently. Core aeration relieves soil compaction, improves airflow, and allows water and nutrients to reach grass roots more effectively. Overseeding fills in thin areas, improves turf density, and strengthens the lawn’s natural ability to crowd out weeds. Together, these practices create healthier lawns that need fewer chemical inputs over time. Strong, dense turf is one of the most sustainable defenses against weeds, disease, and stress. In Northern Michigan, where soil compaction and seasonal stress are common, aeration and overseeding remain essential.
• Organic Flea, Mosquito, and Tick Control That Works: One of the biggest myths about organic pest control is that it doesn’t work. In reality, modern organic treatments—when applied properly and consistently—can be very effective. Organic flea, mosquito, and tick control products typically use plant-based oils and naturally derived ingredients that target pests without lingering in the environment. They’re designed to break down quickly, reducing exposure risks for people, pets, and beneficial insects. These treatments focus on disrupting pest activity and reproduction rather than creating a harsh, long-lasting chemical barrier. The result is meaningful control with a lower environmental footprint—especially important in areas like Traverse City where outdoor living is part of everyday life.

Sustainability Is About Smart Choices, Not Shortcuts

The biggest takeaway when it comes to sustainable lawn and pest care is this: effectiveness matters. A solution isn’t truly sustainable if it doesn’t work, because repeated failures often lead to overuse or abandonment of better practices altogether.

Real sustainability means choosing methods that support long-term lawn health, reduce unnecessary inputs, and protect the environment while still delivering results you can see and feel.

A Smarter Way Forward

If you’re trying to make more sustainable choices for your lawn and outdoor spaces, the key is partnering with professionals who understand both the science and the local environment. Traverse City lawns and pests behave differently than those in other parts of the country, and sustainable solutions need to be tailored accordingly.

Green Team works with homeowners throughout Northern Michigan to implement lawn and pest care strategies that balance performance with environmental responsibility. From automowers and soil health to effective organic pest control, the goal is always the same: healthier lawns, fewer pests, and a lighter footprint on the place we all love to call home.

Looking for a way to make your Traverse City landscape more sustainable? Get started by filling out our contact form today.