Urban Lawns to Carbon Farms: Perennial Power

This article advocates for transforming urban lawns into carbon capture gardens using permaculture and agroforestry principles. It explains that perennial plants, especially when arranged in multistrata layers (trees, shrubs, vines, herbs), maximize biomass and photosynthesis, thereby sequestering more carbon than traditional lawns. The concept of carbon farming is introduced as a method to create dense, layered plantings that function as carbon banks. The article references Eric Toensmeier, a recognized expert in permaculture and biosequestration, who emphasizes that perennial plants living multiple years contribute significantly to carbon storage. The multistrata approach is described as the most effective agricultural system for carbon sequestration, turning urban spaces into powerful carbon sinks while providing food and habitat benefits.