Carbon-Sequestering Landscaping: Plant Choices That Combat Climate Change

Transform Your Yard Into a Climate Hero: Carbon-Sequestering Landscaping That Fights Global Warming

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, but homeowners across America are discovering they can make a meaningful difference right in their own backyards. About 25 percent of global carbon emissions are captured by plant-rich landscapes such as forests, grasslands and rangelands, and now strategic landscaping choices can turn residential properties into powerful carbon-capturing machines that actively combat climate change while creating stunning outdoor spaces.

The Science Behind Carbon-Sequestering Plants

Every plant captures carbon. That’s the fundamental formula of photosynthesis: carbon dioxide and water in the presence of a chlorophyll molecule become sugars and oxygen. However, not all plants are created equal when it comes to their climate-fighting potential. Soil can act as an effective carbon sink, offsetting a significant proportion of annual carbon dioxide emissions, making plant selection and soil management crucial components of effective carbon landscaping.

The most effective carbon-sequestering landscapes work on multiple levels. Healthy plants can shed up to 70% of their photosynthate (sugars, etc.) into the soil colloid through their rhizosphere (where the root meets the earth and is encased in bacteria and fungi). This means that the carbon pulled out of the atmospheric carbon dioxide is now settling into the earth. If managed well, then that carbon will eventually convert to fulvic and humic acids and create a stable carbon component in the soil.

Top Tree Choices for Maximum Carbon Storage

The most efficient plants for carbon sequestration are trees so wherever possible, plant trees – long-lived, native trees are your best choice. Research has identified several superstar species for residential landscapes:

  • Yellow Poplar (American Tulip Tree): Yellow poplar also called American tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) was determined to be the top carbon-storing tree in one study
  • Silver Maple: Silver Maple can trap nearly 25,000 pounds of CO2 in a 55 year period
  • Oak Species: Oak (white oak, willow oak, laurel oak and scarlet oak) thrives in many climates and has good wildlife value
  • Live Oak and American Sycamore: A new study from Rice University evaluated 54 native trees to narrow it down to the best trees to fight climate change in city plantings. They came up with a list of the 17 “super trees,” topped by live oak and American sycamore

Fast growing trees store the most carbon during their first decades, often a tree’s most productive period. Long-lived trees can keep carbon stored for generations without releasing it in decomposition. Large leaves and wide crowns enable maximum photosynthesis.

Don’t Overlook Shrubs and Perennials

While trees get most of the attention, shrubs and perennial plants play crucial supporting roles in carbon sequestration. Permanent perennial wood plants (i.e. shrubs & hedges) are vital to carbon-conscious landscapes. Generally, the wider and higher a hedge, the more carbon it will generally sequester.

While trees have long been used for carbon sequestration, native grasses and forbs are increasing in popularity for this purpose along with other benefits. Grasses like switchgrass and Miscanthus have deep, complex root systems that are ideal for storing carbon in the soil. As perennial plants, native grasses are able to sequester carbon year-round without releasing it. This creates a healthier, more fertile soil along with reducing atmospheric carbon.

Soil Management: The Hidden Carbon Vault

Soil holds four times the amount of carbon stored in the atmosphere, and more than is held in vegetation. This makes soil health a critical component of carbon landscaping. Turf lawn grass, regrettably, is not particularly beneficial due to its shallow root system. Similarly, annual plants, including most vegetables which are up-rooted each year, also provide little benefit relative to carbon sequestration. In fact, tilling the soil in general releases carbon back into the atmosphere.

Instead, deep rooted perennials, shrubs and hedges, and trees are well-suited to provide benefit. Professional landscaping services can help homeowners design and implement these carbon-capturing systems effectively.

Why Professional Landscaping Near Me Services Matter

Creating an effective carbon-sequestering landscape requires expertise in plant selection, soil management, and long-term maintenance strategies. Companies like Union Landscaping & Hardscape in Monroe, NC, understand this connection between beautiful design and environmental responsibility. We’re passionate about using sustainable practices to protect our environment. Our designs are inspired by the natural beauty of Monroe, incorporating native plants and materials.

Professional landscapers bring crucial local knowledge to carbon sequestration projects. We believe in creating sustainable landscapes that improve the natural beauty of NC. This means we use native plants, drought-tolerant grasses, and environmentally friendly practices whenever possible. This expertise ensures that your carbon-capturing landscape will thrive in local conditions while providing maximum environmental benefit.

Maximizing Your Landscape’s Climate Impact

To create the most effective carbon-sequestering landscape, consider these research-backed strategies:

  • Layer Your Planting: Plant a wide mix of trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover, and your garden will become a miniature carbon sink
  • Choose Native Species: Native plants are ideal for this purpose as they have the best chance of thriving and long-life in our ecosystems without chemicals or irrigation
  • Focus on Perennials: Focus on displays of long-lived, low-maintenance perennial plants that stay in place for many years
  • Minimize Lawn Area: Reduce the size of your lawn. Better yet, consider eliminating it entirely. Consider replacing your lawn with a native wildflower meadow

The Broader Impact

Individual landscaping choices add up to significant climate impact. Natural Climate Solutions, or the sequestration of carbon in natural systems, is the only currently feasible solution with positive co-benefits for human and natural systems. Natural Climate Solutions have the potential to mitigate up to 21% of US emissions each year.

By choosing carbon-sequestering landscaping, homeowners can create beautiful outdoor spaces that actively fight climate change, support local wildlife, and increase property values. Whether you’re planning a complete landscape renovation or simply want to make more climate-conscious plant choices, every step toward carbon sequestration makes a difference in our collective fight against global warming.

The time to act is now. Carbon dioxide in our atmosphere was recorded at a record-high 421 ppm; about 50% higher than prior to the Industrial Revolution. The level of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere is now higher than it has been in at least 3.6 million years. Your landscape choices today can help create a more sustainable tomorrow while providing you with a stunning outdoor space to enjoy for years to come.