Perfectly manicured lawns continue to be sought after in this country, but what many people don’t realize is that there is a corresponding decrease in functional wildlife ecosystems and habitats. Native landscaping allows us to encourage and support thriving wildlife and helps us impact the environment in a more positive way.
What is Native Landscaping?
Native landscaping is pretty self-explanatory: it involves landscaping using plants that are native to the region you live in. Wildlife that has established itself near your home relies on these native plants to survive. Opting for a native landscape not only promotes a more natural look to your home’s exterior but also helps your local environment.
What are the Benefits of Native Plants & Native Landscaping?
Choosing to landscape with native plants is advantageous in many ways:
- It is low maintenance. Once native plants have been established, they are relatively easy to take care of and do not require much additional care to stay healthy.
- It’s healthier. Lawns and mulched landscapes are known to require large amounts of artificial fertilizers, chemical pesticides and herbicides. Native plants help to create a healthier environment for your family and your community.
- It helps conserve water. Because native plants grow very well on their own and have little need for maintenance, they require much less watering as well. In addition to conserving this precious natural resource, not having to frequently water native plants saves you both time and money.
- It provides a vital habitat for wildlife. Native plants provide a protective shelter for mammals and nectar for pollinators (like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds). They also produce seeds, nuts and fruits that are essential foods for many different forms of wildlife.
- It helps the climate. Native plants like oak and maple trees are effective at storing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Allowing landscape to grow naturally also reduces the need for lawn mowers and other lawn equipment that expel exhaust into the atmosphere. In these ways, native landscaping can do its part to combat climate change.
- It provides natural beauty. Many native plants flower bountifully and produce brilliantly colored seeds and fruit. As long as your native landscape is well kempt, it will provide a natural beauty that is difficult to recreate with non-native plants.
Vin’s Total Care Landscaping is a native landscaping service in Catonsville, Maryland. We design, build, and maintain beautiful landscapes for lawns of any shape or size. Contact us today to request a free estimate for native landscaping!
