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

We call it a Smart Yard — a yard that is in tune with the local environment for the benefit of both people and our ecosystem.

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, more ecologically-sound landscapes 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 take actions described in our TNSY Workbook. Maintaining a Tennessee Smart Yard provides natural functionaliy for homeowners through working with nature for the benefit of both. Read more to learn why a "Smart Yard" is right for you and our environment.​