When you think of a typical American yard, what comes to mind? Likely, a lush green lawn sprawling across the landscape. However, this familiar sight comes at a cost - both to your wallet and the environment. Let's explore why native plants might be a better choice for your yard.
The Lawn Conundrum
Did you know that approximately 40 million acres in the United States are dedicated to lawns? That's a staggering amount of land, spanning residential properties, commercial lots, and sprawling golf courses. In fact, private residential property alone makes up about one-third of the urban landscape. This obsession with manicured grass comes at a cost, with Americans shelling out a staggering $25 billion annually on lawn care.
Native Plants: A Low-Maintenance Alternative
Native plants are species that naturally occur in a specific region and have evolved to thrive in local environmental conditions. This evolutionary advantage means they require very little maintenance, as they have adapted natural defenses to local challenges like drought, nutrient-poor soil, and pests. As a result, they require minimal maintenance, saving both time and money. Forget about expensive fertilizers and pesticides; native plants have natural defenses against pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical intervention.
Water Conservation: A Major Benefit
Watering lawns and gardens is a major source of water consumption. Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day. In contrast, native plants are incredibly efficient at using water, requiring little to no irrigation once established. This not only saves water but also reduces the strain on local water supplies. To put it in perspective, the daily water saved nationwide could fill 18,367 Olympic size swimming pools.
Environmental Impact: Let's Talk Pollution
Mowing your lawn may seem like a mundane chore, but it has significant environmental impacts. Gas-powered mowers emit pollutants that contribute to air pollution. In fact, a single gas-powered push mower emits as much hourly pollution as 11 cars, while a riding mower emits as much as 34 cars. Native plants, with their natural growth habits, eliminate the need for mowing, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Another environmental concern with traditional lawns is the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Annually, 67 million pounds of synthetic pesticides are used on U.S. lawns, contributing to pollution in local waterways. Native plants, however, do not require pesticides or fertilizers to thrive, minimizing their impact on the environment.
Deep Roots, Big Benefits
One of the most compelling arguments for native plants lies beneath the surface, in their root systems. While turf grass has shallow roots that extend only 1-2 inches into the soil, native plants boast deep root systems that can reach depths of up to 15 feet. They can absorb up to 10 times the amount of stormwater than a typical lawn.
Native plants also play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. Soil stores twice as much carbon as the atmosphere, and native plants with their long root structures can capture and store more carbon than lawns with short roots. This process helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, making native plants a valuable ally in the fight against climate change.
Wildlife Benefits Beyond Grass: Creating Habitat
Beyond their environmental benefits, native plants also provide vital habitat and food sources for native wildlife. Native plants attract a diverse array of birds, butterflies, and bees, providing them with essential resources for survival including food, water, cover, and places to raise their young. In contrast, traditional lawns offer little to no benefit to wildlife. For example, butterflies and moths need native host plants to support their caterpillars. In turn, 96% of songbirds depend on caterpillars as a food source, highlighting the importance of incorporating native plants into our landscapes.
Get your yard certified as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat and install signs to encourage your neighbors to plant native plants and create habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
Making the Switch: How You Can Get Involved
Native plants offer a host of benefits for both your yard and the environment. By replacing traditional lawns with native plant gardens, you can create a more sustainable, eco-friendly landscape that supports local wildlife.
Every small step towards native landscaping contributes to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem, right in your own backyard. The shift towards native plants is more than just a trend; it's a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient environment. By embracing native plants in our landscapes, we can reduce water consumption, improve air quality, and create vital habitats for wildlife. So, why not consider making the switch to native plants in your yard? Your wallet and the planet will thank you.
Transform your yard with native plants
Shop native plants by zip code. Purchase your favorite shrub or flowering plant as an individual species or as part of a collection designed to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, birds, and bees to your wildlife garden.