Living in a community maintained by a homeowners association has many benefits, but having a highway built practically in your backyard can ruin the experience.
However, TikToker Elizabeth (@seedandscribe) has shared an exciting update about her plans to plant a ‘pocket forest’ inside her HOA neighborhood to block sound and provide a protective barrier.
@seedandscribe Highway is now largely built. I already have a lot of plants and there is still a lot more to do. Before I can do that, I need HOA and the municipal council sign off. Small steps, but still progress….. #sustainablelandscapedesigner #permaculture #foodforest #pocketbos ♬ original sound – Elizabeth | Seed & Writer
In the videoElizabeth showed a nearly completed highway running dangerously close to some homes, which is a hazard for several reasons.
“Other than the top of the bridge, there are no barriers to stop a rogue truck or a tire from driving into one of these backyards,” Elizabeth explained.
Even though there were trees and a grassy area between the highway and houses, it was still far too close for comfort. Luckily, Elizabeth is a sustainable permaculture garden designer, so she was the first person the neighbors thought of to come up with a solution.
She said she was using the Miyawaki method – a planting technique that uses densely packed trees, plants and flowers in small areas to recreate native forest ecosystems – was the obvious choice for the space.
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This planting technique not only increases biodiversity, but also reduces highway noise and air pollution – a win for homeowners and the planet. Elizabeth explained that the specific native species she chose will also promote bird migration.
As she revealed in the video, many trees have already been planted, but there is still a long way to go.
“I’ve made great progress with these designs. Now I just need to… HOA to sign off,” she said, noting the City Council must also approve.
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In the comments, Elizabeth said she worked with local officials to pass a bill that would ensure homes and parks near highways pocket forests. If these mini forests are planted throughout the country, a healthy living environment will be created for them beesbutterflies and others pollinatorswhich would benefit humans, as we depend on them for our food supply.
Even plants native flowers and trees in your backyard can help nature and reduce the time and money you spend on lawn maintenance. Natural lawns require much less water than traditional monoculture lawns, so you help save resources and reduce your monthly bills.
If you don’t want to replace your entire lawn, carving out a small section for buffalo grass or other eco-friendly plants can still provide benefits.
“That’s great for keeping it green! Good luck,” said one TikTok user.
“This is so cool! The amount of unused space we have on our highways in MKE we could totally use for bees and birds (habitats),” said another.
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