Why Use Native Plants?

Less Maintenance

• Native plants acclimate to regions because the weather conditions suit the plant's requirements to reproduce year after year. Plants that have adapted to freezing temperatures, drought conditions or common diseases are much easier to maintain than plants not accustomed to the possible harsh local weather conditions. To survive, native plants have become self-sustaining to their surrounding, while non-native plants will need special care that could include covering during a freeze, extra watering or special fertilizers.

Save a Plant

• As more land is being used for commercial and residential growth, land is being cleared of native plants. Bringing native plants back into communities, whether it is in home gardens or community landscaping, will help in the preservation of natural plants to the area. City and home planners who decide to preserve the land's native plants are taking active steps in keeping plants from the endangered species list.

Wildlife

• The wildlife that inhabits certain regions is there because of the food supply and protective habitat. Removing plant species that have become a mainstay for wildlife will cause the wildlife to move to areas where they can get their food supply. Natural grasses, berry-producing plants and nut-bearing trees most likely attract deer, squirrels and other varieties of animals. Birds and butterflies are also partial to certain flowers and berries, as well as using scrubs for nesting.

Erosion and Pollution

• Native plants have adapted their root systems for regions they prefer to live in. Established, deep-rooted plants help reduce erosion of the soil, which stops the runoff into streams. Without native plants, water pollution and flooding could become a problem. Less fertilizer and pesticides are needed to maintain the natural growth of native plants. Depending on the region and the plants, landscaping near highways and homes will grow naturally. The need for mowing is reduced and the result is less air pollution.