Keeping Tennessee's water clean, one yard at a time!

We call it a Smart Yard — a yard that is in harmony with Tennessee's native plants, wildlife, soil and topography.

Tennessee Smart Yards is a University of Tennessee-led program that guides Tennesseans on practices they can apply in their outdoor spaces to create healthier living spaces and communities. Nine principles of stewardship serve as the foundation for the program and are explored in online modules and practical workshops taught by UT Extension and water resource professionals. 

You don't have to be an expert gardener or landscaper to create a Tennessee Smart Yard. All it takes is a willingness to learn and a desire to build a yard using actions described in our TNSY Workbook. Maintaining a Tennessee Smart Yard helps homeowners achieve a landscape that reflects their values, desires and needs, while ensuring the protection of Tennessee's natural resources. Read more to learn why a "Smart Yard" is right for you and our environment.​