Eco-Friendly Landscaping Practices

Many of us choose to live in Great Falls because we value the forests, streams, and wildlife that surround our homes. Here are some simple steps every homeowner - and every HOA -  can take to protect and restore our local environment. 

Start Here: Three Easy Steps

1. Identify one invasive plant on your property. 

2. Add one native plant.

3. Leave the leaves in the fall to support soil health and wildlife.

Ready for More?

1. Get to Know Your Landscape

Understanding what’s already growing on your property is the first step toward making eco-friendly choices.

• Use plant identification apps like iNaturalist to learn what’s growing in your yard. 
  

• Visit local native plant gardens for inspiration, such as the native meadow in front of the Great Falls Library and the Oak Grove behind the Great Falls Grange.

2. Improve the Health of Your Property

Small changes can make a big difference for local ecosystems.

• Remove invasive plants. Learn how to recognize invasive plants. Remove them yourself or hire a qualified company.

• Address erosion and drainage. Standing water and stormwater runoff affect both homeowners and local streams. Many companies offer drainage assessments, and the Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District provides guidance.

• Protect your trees. Explore basic tree‑care tips and consider consulting a certified independent arborist for personalized recommendations. 

• Choose eco‑friendly pest control. There are simple ways to reduce mosquitoes and other pests without spraying harmful chemicals, such as reducing standing water on your property or supporting habitats for animals that eat mosquitoes like salamanders.

• Practice eco‑friendly lawn care. Healthier soil and smarter mowing practices support wildlife and reduce pollution.

• Leave the leaves. Mulch leaves into your lawn or leave them in garden beds to enrich soil and support insects and birds.

3. Further Support Local Wildlife

Create habitat right in your backyard. Native plants support pollinators, birds, and the broader ecosystem — and they thrive in our local climate.

• Explore native plant lists, tips, and other resources from Plant NoVA Natives.

• Shop for native plants at local nurseries. Look for the red “Northern Virginia Native” stickers. 

• Check out the Friends of Riverbend Park annual native plant sale each spring.

• Add water sources, shelter, and more native plants to attract beneficial wildlife. Reference Amy's Enviromental Almanac for tips on how to support wildlife throughout the year.

• Make your outdoor lighting more friendly to wildlife by swapping out lightbulbs for warmer colors (< 3000K) or installing DarkSky approved fixtures.

• Certify your property as a wildlife sanctuary through programs offered by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance or the National Wildlife Federation.

• Record your actions on Fairfax County’s Watch the Green Grow map. 

4. Special Considerations

If you live near a Resource Protection Area (RPA)

Fairfax County provides specific guidance and restrictions to help protect sensitive stream valleys. Find answers to frequently asked questions about RPAs here.  

For HOAs

Common areas offer major opportunities for environmental impact. Consider:

• Native plantings in shared spaces

• Pond maintenance and buffer plantings

• Invasive species removal

• Long‑term landscape planning that reduces maintenance costs and improves stormwater management

If there is nearby construction

Construction projects can pose risks to tree roots. Learn how to protect your trees during construction on neighboring lots. 

5. Get Free Personalized Help

Not sure where to start? Several local organizations offer free, site‑specific advice to help you prioritize and plan:

• Mosquito Yard Inspection from the Fairfax County Health Department

• Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District Conservation Assistance Program

• Fairfax Master Gardeners Plant Clinics & Help Desk

• Northern Virginia Bird Alliance Wildlife Sanctuary Consultation

Many of these groups have experts who can walk your property, identify issues, and recommend next steps.

6. Stay Connected

Join the GFCA Environment & Parks Committee for updates, invitations to monthly guest speakers, and discussions about local environmental topics. Email environment@gfca.org for more information.

Additional Resources:

• Fairfax County Invasive Management Area Program

• Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance

• Fairfax Master Naturalists

• Fairfax Master Gardeners

• Fairfax Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM)

• Homegrown National Park

• National Wildlife Federation

• Northern Virginia Bird Alliance

• Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District

• Plant NoVA Natives

• Plant NoVA Trees

• Urban and Community Forestry in Fairfax County
  

• Watch the Green Grow

• GFCA Youtube Channel