The Benefits of Incorporating Native Plants in Your Landscape
Native plants are adapted to the climatic conditions of the region where they originated and evolved. They are more tolerant of local pests and do not need fertilizers to thrive. Native plants support the local ecosystem by providing food and shelter for local wildlife.
Here are some compelling reasons to use native plants in your landscape.
They Can Help Save Money and Water
By utilizing native plants, you can capitalize on their natural ability to retain water more effectively compared to their non-native counterparts. Depending upon the species, this advantage translates to substantial water savings. Native plants possess the inherent capacity to adapt to the regular precipitation levels of a given area. Conserving water in this manner contributes to reduced water expenses and enhanced financial savings.
They Are Low-Maintenance
Ornamental turfgrass looks beautiful but has a significant downside – it requires extensive maintenance. Instead of using turfgrass as a groundcover in your landscape, add native groundcover plants to it. Native plants generally exhibit greater resilience to diseases, droughts, and various environmental hazards than other plant species. They spread quickly and can help control weeds, reducing the need for extensive maintenance. Many native plants can help prevent flooding, safeguarding the soil against damage.
If a turfgrass type of look is desired, there are native grasses that can be mowed semi-regularly to achieve a more typical ‘Lawn” look. These grasses can be purchased as sod and will reduce watering needs by approx. 30% from a typical cool season ornamental lawn.
They Are Rarely Invasive
Invasive plants are notorious for taking over entire gardens. English ivy, for example, can swiftly overpower more delicate plants. Numerous non-native plants possess invasive tendencies, whereas native plants rarely exhibit such behavior and allow all other plants around them to grow. Adding native plants to your garden is a great way to achieve natural balance and simplify landscape maintenance.
If you are having difficulty deciding between two or more native plants, reach out to a landscaper near you in Sonoma County for help. An experienced landscaper has amassed a plethora of specialized knowledge and can help you weigh the pros and cons of the plants you are considering.
They Help Control Erosion
Water and wind can detach and remove soil particles, negatively affecting soil quality. Runoff can contain chemicals that, in addition to affecting soil quality, can impact human and animal health. If you want to help the environment, grow native plants in your landscape. Native plants possess deep-rooted systems that play a crucial role in reducing erosion by effectively stabilizing the soil. In contrast, non-native plants tend to have shallow root systems that lack the ability to anchor the soil securely.
They Restore Natural Habitats
Native plants support local ecosystems by helping local wildlife survive and thrive. They provide food and shelter to hummingbirds, songbirds, native bees, and squirrels. Although non-native plants may offer similar resources, animals may interact differently with them.
Organisms within an ecosystem rely on one another for their survival. Installing native plants helps maintain ecological balance and the natural connections shared between the organisms in your landscape.
Gardenworks is an environmentally friendly landscaping company. We help our customers find ways to save water in their landscape and reduce synthetic fertilizer use. Need help maintaining your landscape? Call 707-857-2050.