If you think your garden may have been contaminated by paint residue, from living next to a busy road or pesticides, be sure to have it tested before growing edibles in it. If plants are exposed to car emissions or other pollutants, give them a regular misting with a hose to help clean the leaves. Noise pollution can be another problem. Be sure the muffler on your gas-powered tools is working and try using a manual mower and trimmer whenever you can. Make the quietest running tools be part of your prerequisite when replacing or purchasing equipment from now on.
Planting trees can be a beautiful solution to the pollution problem.
Trees are natural air filters, absorbing chemical impurities that create air pollution and then releasing oxygen. They trap dust fumes and odor and help reduce the noise level surrounding your yard. Some trees and shrubs are more tolerant to pollution than others. Ask at your local greenhouse or call your local cooperative extension for more information on native trees that work to clean the air and improve your environment. Here is a sample of trees and shrubs that do well in a heavily polluted area.