What Is Sustainable Landscaping?
Once landscapes featuring indigenous plants have been installed, they require very little watering overall, especially as compared to a traditional grass lawn. They can also provide increased water filtration, as they can prevent storm water from going into a city’s water system. This helps avoid the overflow of sewers, which is a health and environmental hazard. Less overflow means a healthier water system overall.
Less Maintenance
Because landscaping with indigenous plants helps reduce the erosion of soil, it requires less maintenance. Indigenous plants also tend to have a natural resistance to harmful insects, which reduces the need for pesticides. Since there is no lawn to mow, less water needed, and less fertilizing required, indigenous plants tend to be relatively self-sufficient.
Lower Cost
Because landscapes comprised of indigenous plants need so much less overall maintenance, supplies and natural resources for their upkeep, they save on equipment, supplies and labor costs. Such plants can save up to 90% of the costs incurred by traditional landscaping. Compared to a traditional grass lawn, which needs near-constant maintenance and regular monitoring, this is a considerable savings overall.
Reduction of Pests, Plant Diseases, Pollution and More
On top of saving money and resources, landscaping that uses indigenous plants is also healthier for the environment and for our overall well-being. Indigenous plants provide a habitat for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies, as well as for birds. As birds – especially hummingbirds – as well as butterflies and honeybees are becoming in increasing danger of being endangered, providing a habitat for them is integral to helping out all ecosystems.
Indigenous plants are also capable of reducing pollution of all kinds. They reduce air pollution through natural filtration which results in fresh oxygen, and they can also reduce water pollution along with the water they save you or your maintenance team from wasting. On the aesthetic side, indigenous plants also visually beautify your landscape, and these plants are also known for helping reduce noise pollution, acting like a natural sound baffle.
The Final Word on Landscaping With Indigenous Plants
Researching the types of plants that are actually indigenous to your area is paramount – you’ll want to plant only truly indigenous plants, as they work best with your soil, your climate and your local wildlife. You can research on your own, or consult with a landscaping specialist. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the indigenous plants you choose will benefit from the soil in the yard you are planting them in – you don’t want them to be too moist or too dry, and you don’t want them to be overrun with weeds.
